While wages remain the primary factor for most employees in determining whether to stay at their current job or look elsewhere for employment opportunities, other factors strongly impact employee satisfaction as well. Flexible hours, vacation time, and company culture can all impact an employer’s desirability in the minds of employees and potential employees.
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In an effort to set themselves apart by offering a valued perk, many companies are experimenting with providing on-site health care as an extra benefit for employees.
Companies Offering On-Site Medical Care
Apple has recently joined other tech giants like Intel and Facebook in opening its own on-site wellness clinic. According to CNBC, the on-site clinic, named AC Wellness, has hired more than 40 people, including nurse practitioners, nutritionists, exercise specialists, and other wellness experts.
While other companies from start-ups to corporate behemoths are focused on pharmacy services and on-site checkups, Apple has placed a greater emphasis on preventive care and patient outcomes.
This is part of a growing trend in the healthcare industry more broadly, which many believe spurs more positive long-term health outcomes; but it’s also a calculated business decision.
Healthy employees are more likely to show up to work and are more productive than those fighting illness or injury. In addition, by offering health services on-site, employers limit the amount of time employees will need to be away from work to seek care or consultation about health concerns.
Cultural Impact
Apple also sees the clinic as an addition to its company culture. As one expert says, “AC Wellness’ focus on patient care is part of its hiring practice.”
According to CNBC, Apple’s website states that it is searching for candidates with an appreciation for “patient experience and passion for wellness and population health.”
Offering on-site services is a very tangible way of indicating to employees that a company takes health and wellness seriously—so seriously, in this case, that it’s willing to invest time, money, and facility space to provide these services.
With the addition of the AC Wellness clinic, Apple is hoping to achieve multiple benefits. Not only is it creating additional value for its employees, which will hopefully boost employee satisfaction and make the company an even more attractive employer than it already is, but it also hopes that by ingraining health and wellness into its company culture, its employees will be happier, more productive, and less likely to miss work due to illness.