The years after 40 represent a critical juncture in the professional life of an employee—a period of peak contribution and invaluable experience. However, they are also the years when the subtle impacts of stress, metabolism shifts, and lifestyle choices begin to surface, often leading to chronic conditions.
Recognising this risk, the Indian government has taken a monumental step to safeguard the nation’s experienced talent. The new Labour Codes mandate that all employers must provide a free annual health check-up for employees over the age of 40.
This policy moves preventive healthcare from a voluntary perk to a statutory requirement, ensuring the health and stability of the corporate backbone.
The Urgency of Prevention After 40
Crossing the 40-year mark signifies a biological shift where the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) escalates. These conditions are notoriously known as “silent killers” because they often present no major symptoms until they reach an advanced stage.
An annual health check-up is the most effective tool to establish a health baseline and expose these hidden threats, allowing for intervention when treatment is simplest and most effective.
Crucial conditions detected through annual screening include:
Silent Cardiovascular Risks: Detecting elevated blood pressure and abnormal lipid profiles (cholesterol) before they lead to severe cardiac events.
Early Diabetes Indicators: Identifying pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, which is highly prevalent in India, enabling dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or even reverse the condition.
Organ Function Decline: Monitoring the health of the liver and kidneys through function tests, which can be affected by years of stress and lifestyle.
Age-Specific Cancer Screens: Ensuring timely screening for cancers where incidence increases with age.
Compliance as Care: The Government Mandate
This groundbreaking requirement is anchored in the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020. As officially communicated by the Press Information Bureau, the new framework specifically ensures that employers “must provide all workers above the age of 40 years with a free annual health check-up.”
You can review the details of this historic change here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2192463
By establishing this provision, the government has formalised a culture of preventive care, reinforcing the idea that employee welfare is central to the nation’s economic output.
The Business Case for Proactive Health
For organisations, complying with this mandate offers far more than just regulatory peace of mind—it delivers a powerful Return on Investment (ROI) in human capital.
Healthier employees mean:
Reduced Absenteeism: Early disease management drastically cuts down on extended medical leave.
Increased Productivity: Employees who are well and managing their health are more focused and engaged, minimising “presenteeism.”
Higher Retention and Morale: Providing this critical benefit shows genuine empathy and appreciation for experienced talent, fostering loyalty and making the company a magnet for skilled professionals.
Partnering for Seamless Compliance
The mandate is clear, and the benefits are undeniable. The challenge now lies in the seamless implementation of high-quality, pan-India health check-up programs that are efficient and compliant.
This is the time for organisations to choose a B2B partner that can execute this requirement with precision and care. Ensure your approach simplifies logistics, minimises workplace disruption, and delivers accurate, confidential results to every employee over 40.
Ready to turn compliance into a competitive advantage? We specialise in simplifying the delivery of mandatory employee health screenings nationwide. Let’s discuss how we can implement a compliant and caring program for your organisation.
Get quotes for your company at: corporate.even.in