Author: Joe Saunderson
Read Time: 5-7 minutes
April 24, 2025
25% of Australians delayed visiting their GP in 2023-24, up from 17% the previous year, according to The Royal Australian College of GPs.
This growing reluctance to seek preventative healthcare poses significant risks for businesses, driving increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and long term health related costs.
As a result, workplace preventative health programs have become more important than ever to manage these challenges and maintain a healthy, productive workforce.
Absenteeism and Presenteeism?
Delayed GP visits lead to untreated conditions, increasing absenteeism. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that chronic diseases, often preventable with early care, account for 89% of sick leave. For example, untreated mental health issues, affecting 1 in 5 Australians, contribute to 3.2 days lost yearly, per employee.
Presenteeism, where employees attend work despite being unwell, can lead to reduced productivity, poor decision-making, and the spread of illness, especially in team-based environments. It often results in longer recovery times for the sick individual, potentially worsening their condition.
Absenteeism costs Australian businesses approximately $6.5 billion annually, averaging $3,500 per employee. In most companies, a problem of this magnitude would spark urgent action, yet these figures remain largely unaddressed, underscoring the need for targeted solutions. These figures are also from 2016 and likely outdated, as it is widely proven that this problem is getting worse.
Rising Cost
With 37% of doctors now charging upwards of $90 for a 20 minute appointment, the price of seeing a GP is not only affecting lower earners, but almost 1 in 5 people on $180,000 a year also delayed medical treatment, citing cost as their reasoning.
Add in the need to take time off to see a GP, often requiring flexibility due to practice schedule (or being limited to what is available on the day, if last minute) and the almost guarantee that there will be a wait or delay in being seen, there is a strong possibility that the financial and time commitment of visiting the doctor is seen as too high for some.
When employees skip GP visits due to cost, minor ailments can worsen, leading to increased sick leave and reduced productivity. For example, untreated conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which affect 1 in 3 and 1 in 20 Australians respectively, can result in complications requiring extended time off or costly treatments.
Turnover and Morale
Poor mental and physical health erodes morale and can push people to the point of leaving an organisation. When employees feel their health is being compromised by their work environment, or that their employer is not taking their wellness seriously, they are far more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
This kind of turnover is not only disruptive but also expensive. Studies have shown that the cost of replacing a single employee can range from 50% to 200% of their annual salary when considering recruitment, onboarding, lost productivity, and the time it takes for a new hire to reach full efficiency.
A workforce that feels unsupported or overwhelmed is more likely to experience low morale, creating a ripple effect that can reduce team cohesion and foster a negative organisational culture.
When an individual is struggling with their health, their work also suffers.
Healthy Workplace = Healthy People
A healthy workplace plays a vital role in cultivating healthy employees, creating a dynamic where each reinforces the other. When a work environment prioritises physical safety, mental wellbeing, and a culture of respect and support, employees are more likely to experience lower stress levels, better physical health, and higher job satisfaction.
Prioritising aspects such as open communication, ergonomic workspaces, work-life balance, and access to wellness resources directly contribute to reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and increased engagement. In turn, healthier employees are more productive, resilient, and motivated, which positively influences the overall atmosphere and performance of the workplace. This mutually reinforcing cycle demonstrates that investing in a healthy work environment is key to building a thriving, sustainable workforce.
Solutions
Wellness programs, including telehealth solutions, significantly enhance employee wellbeing by addressing physical and mental health needs in accessible, proactive ways. Initiatives like ergonomic workspaces, mental health resources, and regular wellness workshops foster a supportive environment, reducing stress and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Telehealth platforms remove barriers like high costs, travel time, and scheduling conflicts, enabling employees to seek timely care for minor ailments or mental health concerns. This early intervention prevents conditions from worsening, lowers absenteeism, and boosts morale, as employees feel valued and supported.
By integrating telehealth with broader wellness strategies, employers cultivate a resilient, engaged workforce with improved job satisfaction and productivity.
