While many employees may be hesitant when it comes to health risk assessments (HRAs) it is important for human resource departments to encourage participation in an effort to lower employee benefit costs and improve health across the company.
As HR Morning points out, there are several reasons why staff may shy away from completing HRAs, and it is the job of HR representatives to educate and encourage employees to participate. Most individuals reject HRAs because they are unaware of how the assessment will benefit them or because they do not know how their employer will be using the information.
Human resource systems should include information as to why HRAs are being suggested or required and how the tests will be mutually beneficial to both employees and employers. Opening the gates of communication can help this happen, according to the source.
HR representatives should also stress that the results from the HRA are for company and individual use only, and will not be shared with insurance companies, according to the source. Furthermore, it should be noted that HRAs can improve health by pinpointing risk factors that people can work on to lead healthier lives.
If employees are still not sold on the idea of a full-scale health evaluation, a medical incentive reimbursement plan could be used as incentive to participate, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.
