PME: not an expense, but a strategic investment

01 April 2025

Healthy and energetic employees are the driving force behind any organisation. Yet preventive medical examinations (PME) are often still seen as an obligation or an expense. In reality, they are a valuable investment. Properly conducted PMEs not only contribute to the health and well-being of employees, but also help employers to reduce absenteeism, keep employees employable in the long term, and increase productivity.

A preventive medical examination (PME) offers considerable added value for employees. It helps to monitor and improve their health and well-being. However, a PME is not only valuable for employees, but most certainly also for employers. It is a strategic investment for every organisation.

Want to know why a PME is so incredibly valuable for employers? Read more below:

1. Early detection of health risks
It is important to detect health issues early. Some examples include stress, burnout, cardiovascular disease or physical complaints. A PME can help here. It allows employers and employees to take preventive measures before symptoms lead to long-term absenteeism.

2. Reduction of absenteeism and higher productivity
Proactive intervention ensures that you stay ahead of absenteeism. Employees who feel good physically and mentally also perform better and are more productive. This reduces the cost of finding replacements and of continuity issues.

3. Increased job satisfaction and sustainable employability
A PME programme helps raise awareness about vitality and health. Employees feel a sense of support from their employer and are given concrete advice on how to adopt healthier lifestyles and work habits. This increases their job satisfaction and contributes to sustainable employability.

4. Positive employer image and attractive employment practices
Employers that invest in the health of their employees exude a sense of caring and responsibility. This strengthens the employer’s image and can help to attract and retain talent, especially in a tight labour market.

5. Compliance with legal obligations
According to the Working Conditions Act, employers are required to offer their employees a periodic occupational health examination (PAGO) to identify any damage to health caused by workplace risks at an early stage and to prevent it. A PME means you automatically fulfil this legal obligation. The content of the PME is partly based on the PAGO advice from the RI&E.

Integrated approach
At HumanCapitalCare, we believe in an integrated approach to health and vitality. That’s why we never see a PME as an isolated event. A PME offers insight, but it can only yield results if organisations actually act on that insight.

Interested or have a question?
Would you like to work on the health, vitality and employability of your employees? Or do you have a question about PMEs? We are happy to help. Contact your regular contact person at HumanCapitalCare and discover what we can do for your organisation.