In today’s work setting, prioritizing employee well-being is no longer seen as a trend in the corporate environment. It’s become more of a strategic priority than a wellness perk. When organizations support employees not only when they’re unwell, but also to help them keep healthy, it creates a culture of care that goes beyond productivity and face value.
Building a Culture of Care in the Workplace
There are two ways of showing support for employees along their health journey: helping one recover when faced with health shock, or keeping them healthy by offering preventive care. As a company, of course it is important to keep absenteeism at a low for the sake of productivity. But as a company that cares for its employees, there is a responsibility to keep the workplace a safe environment where no one is at risk, which is why instead of discouraging people to take a day off, we should make sure they get the rest and care they need.
Viral infections are important to take note of in case of outbreaks, especially for workplaces that report to the office that may risk their loved ones at home. Aside from viral illnesses, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) or also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of longer duration and thus affect performance and attendance of workers. In the Philippines, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alone cost the economy an estimated PHP 756.5 billion annually, equivalent to around 5% of the country’s GDP and to around 4.8% of GDP. Beyond the impact it has on the business, more importantly, NCDs account for 68% of all deaths in the Philippines, and the probability of dying between the ages of 30 and 70 years old from one of the four main NCDs (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease) is at 29%. Investing in preventive measures and early detection is thus as much about productivity as it is about health.
What is a Medical Certificate for Work?
A medical certificate for work serves as official documentation that an employee is either fit to work or needs rest due to illness. It is typically required for sick leave/s for a certain amount of days, prolonged absence, or return-to-work clearance.
What Makes a Medical Certificate Valid?
In the Philippines, a valid certificate will include the doctor’s full name, license number, date of issue, diagnosis or reason for rest/restriction, the recommended duration of rest if any is given, and the doctor’s signature. The process for validation of medical certificates means HR teams or in-house medical officials must check that the doctor is licensed and that the document meets official requirements.
How Employers Should Handle Medical Certificates
HR best practices include verifying the certificate’s authenticity, ensuring confidentiality of the medical details, and integrating the process into fair sick leave policies. Employers should document clear guidelines for submission and approval.
It’s important to remember that requiring a medical certificate isn’t about questioning an employee’s honesty or proving they were really ill. Rather, it’s a way for employers to ensure that their team members are fit to return to work and are not pushing themselves beyond what’s safe. This practice helps protect both the employee’s health and the organization’s productivity by encouraging proper recovery and responsible workplace reintegration.
How HMOs Support the Process
Modern HMO platforms make issuing digital medical certificates faster, safer, and simpler. By allowing employees to schedule consults or teleconsults with doctors, receive care via prescriptions or procedure recommendations, and receive a medical certificate almost immediately if needed, it enables HR to track documentation easily and support employees with less downtime and faster recovery.
Why Annual Physical Exams Matter for Employees
We’ve all heard the term “preventive care” and it can be done in many ways: vaccinations, screenings, and even lifestyle changes, but the most common preventive healthcare is getting regular checkups! Annual physical exams turn reactive care into preventive, proactive well-being. Early detection of issues means fewer sick days and less disruption. In the Philippines, where NCDs undermine productivity and impose high indirect costs, having APEs included in your HMO benefits helps employees stay healthy and engaged.
The Role of Preventive Healthcare in Long-Term Employee Well-being
When employees complete regular APEs, organizations see reduced absenteeism and improved wellness culture. A strong link between prevention and productivity strengthens business resilience, improves risk management, and promotes workplace morale!
Medical certificates (for recovery) and annual physical exams (for prevention) are two sides of the same coin: supporting employee wellness as a company. HR teams play a pivotal role by providing easy access to medical certificates when illness hits, and implementing APEs annually to stay ahead of health risks. And for HR teams to do this efficiently, getting the correct health partner and HMO to set this in place is key— because the coverage and benefits will be a big factor in how easy it is for the team to avail of care.
A company that supports recovery and champions prevention builds stronger, healthier, more resilient teams. Awareness, access, and prevention come together to boost well-being and productivity. For HR and business leaders in the Philippines, making employee health an ongoing priority is not just kind – it’s a smart priority that makes the company a better place to work in.
Empower your team with hassle-free care! Learn more about Hive Health’s coverage and benefits here.
