Impact of Diabetes in the Workplace

Diabetes in the workplace is a critical issue, as this chronic condition affects millions and significantly impacts both individuals and the organizations they work for. Employees with diabetes may face health challenges that result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. Understanding these challenges and how to mitigate them can help businesses support their workforce and maintain a productive environment. A productive environment is one where employees have clear communication, access to resources, supportive leadership, and a healthy work-life balance. It fosters motivation, reduces stress, and helps employees perform at their best, benefiting both the workforce and the business. 

Health and Productivity Challenges 

Managing diabetes requires constant attention to diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar levels. Diabetic employees may need regular breaks for insulin administration or blood sugar monitoring. Fluctuating blood sugar can cause fatigue, dizziness, and irritability, impairing an employee’s ability to work effectively. This will lead to both absenteeism, where employees miss work, and presenteeism, where they work while impaired. These issues result in significant productivity losses, adding financial pressure on businesses. 

Overview of Increased Medical Costs 

Over the last decade, diabetes-related medical costs have risen by more than 35%. Individuals with diabetes face healthcare expenses that are more than double those of individuals without the condition. On average, diabetes-related medical expenses can total up to $10,000 annually per person. This increase impacts employers, who see rising premiums, more frequent medical claims, and higher overall healthcare spending. 

Impact of Diabetes in the Workplace

Diabetes in the workplace imposes a considerable financial burden on employers. Rising medical costs and complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and other diabetes-related issues increase health insurance premiums and medical claims. Beyond direct medical expenses, employers must navigate the ripple effects of diabetes, including absenteeism and presenteeism. The ongoing management of diabetes—requiring regular monitoring and medication—further inflates employer costs. Indirect impacts, such as decreased productivity, lower morale, and potentially higher turnover rates, also contribute to the financial strain. To tackle these challenges, employers should adopt a well-rounded approach that includes supportive workplace policies, access to healthcare, and health education. This will help manage the impact of diabetes and improve overall employee well-being. But first, let’s take a closer look at the hidden costs… 

Estimated Time Lost 

Employees with diabetes miss an average of 1.3 days per year due to absenteeism. However, presenteeism can have an even greater impact, as employees may be physically present but unable to perform to their full potential. Combined, these factors contribute to an average of 15.6 days of lost productivity annually per employee. This affects day-to-day operations and long-term profitability. Missed deadlines, lower output, and declining morale can ripple throughout the organization, impacting its overall success. 

The Role of Employers in Managing Diabetes 

Employers can take proactive steps to reduce the impact of diabetes through wellness programs, diabetes management support, and regular health screenings. These initiatives help encourage healthy lifestyles, weight management, and early detection of diabetes, offering employees resources such as nutrition counseling and check-ups to support their health. 

OnSite Health offers comprehensive solutions to help businesses address the challenges of diabetes in the workplace. Our clinic solutions provide on-site healthcare professionals who can monitor and manage diabetes care, ensuring employees receive the support they need without leaving the workplace. For companies seeking a more flexible option, OnSite Health also offers individual nurse staffing, providing dedicated nurses who visit on an as-needed basis to deliver diabetes management, education, and care. 

Additionally, our quarterly nurse visits for testing and follow-up offer a cost-effective solution for managing diabetes-related issues without the need for a permanent clinic or full-time nurse on-site. By integrating these solutions, businesses can reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and healthcare costs while improving employee well-being and overall productivity. 

Don’t let diabetes dictate the health and efficiency of your employees. Contact OnSite Health today!