Who’s responsible for preventative healthcare? Why workplaces hold the key

As a GP, I see the consequences of delayed healthcare every day. Patients come in with symptoms that could have been caught earlier—if only they’d had easier access to preventative checks or felt empowered to take action. The problem isn’t a lack of technology. From at-home blood testing to AI-driven diagnostics, we have more tools than ever to detect risks before they become serious. The real question is: who should be responsible for making sure people use them?

The NHS is stretched, and while digital health solutions offer a way to ease the burden, they’re not yet embedded into everyday life. Many people still see healthcare as something you turn to when you’re unwell, rather than something you engage with proactively. But there’s one place where that mindset is already starting to shift: the workplace.

Why UK workplaces will need to take on a bigger role

In the UK, healthcare has traditionally been seen as the government’s responsibility. Most people rely on the NHS, with private healthcare or workplace benefits only playing a supporting role. But that model is starting to show cracks.

With growing NHS pressures, an ageing workforce, and rising long-term illness rates, businesses will increasingly find themselves in a position where they need to play a bigger role in employee health. While some large companies—particularly in sectors like tech—have already embraced this shift, for most employers, workplace healthcare still revolves around insurance-based benefits through providers like Vitality or Bupa.

However, as demand for preventative healthcare rises, we’re likely to see more companies take a direct approach—providing access to digital GP services, at-home blood testing, and other proactive health solutions. Encouraging employees to proactively monitor key health markers—e.g., vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and thyroid function—is useful because these biomarkers significantly affect energy levels, mental well-being, and overall productivity. Abnormalities in these markers are linked to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Ensuring optimal levels can contribute to better mood regulation and cognitive function.

What can we learn from the US approach?

In the US, healthcare is largely employer-funded. Unlike in the UK, where people rely on the NHS, most Americans access healthcare through their job, with both employees and employers contributing to the cost of insurance. This means that businesses don’t just offer healthcare as a benefit—they have a direct stake in making sure their employees stay healthy because poor health leads to higher insurance costs and lost productivity.

That’s why US employers are much more proactive. Many offer on-site health screenings, subsidised fitness programs, and direct partnerships with healthcare providers to manage chronic conditions. Preventative healthcare isn’t seen as a ‘perk’—it’s a financial necessity.

While the UK isn’t moving to a fully employer-funded model, there are clear signs that workplaces are beginning to take on more responsibility. The rise of digital health services means companies now have the tools to provide accessible, preventative healthcare to their workforce, rather than relying entirely on the NHS. The question is: will businesses step up and embrace this change, or will they continue to see healthcare as someone else’s responsibility?

Beyond lip service: embedding real change

Many UK employers already invest in mental health support, menopause awareness, and fitness perks. But the next step, in my view, is integrating preventative healthcare in a meaningful way—whether that’s through direct partnerships with health tech companies, employer-subsidised health checks, or easier access to diagnostic tools.

Proactively monitoring key biomarkers allows for early detection and intervention, reducing the risk of more severe health issues that could lead to absenteeism or long-term illness. Deficiencies in B12, folate, and ferritin (iron stores), as well as underactive thyroid function, can lead to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating—directly impacting workplace productivity and engagement. Addressing these underlying health imbalances can prevent chronic fatigue and burnout, fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce.

This shift won’t happen overnight. Cost, infrastructure, and employee engagement remain challenges. But as more businesses see the benefits—reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and healthier employees—it’s likely we’ll see a more hands-on approach to workplace healthcare, just as we have in the US.

For now, the UK’s approach remains in transition. But as the NHS faces increasing strain, the most immediate and effective answer to better preventative healthcare may lie not in government reform, but in the workplace itself.

‍

Dr Natasha Fernando MBBS MRCGP – Medical Director, Medichecks  

Dr Natasha Fernando is head of clinical excellence at Medichecks. Natasha joined Medichecks in 2019 and supports the company’s team of reporting doctors, as well as the customer care and business development teams. She ensures Medichecks upholds excellent standards in providing customer-centred, evidence-based advice.    

‍