Szabadics supported the health prevention of its employees with free screening

Based in Nagykanizsa, Szabadics Építőipari Zrt. is renowned for its family-like, community-building nature. Our newspaper has reported on the company's various events (team building, family programmes), the most notable of which is the Szabadics Ride cycling race. More and more employees are signing up for the latter, and members of management are also participating in the team, demonstrating the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

The Szabadics has also recognised that prevention is a key aspect of this approach, as in today's fast-paced world there is increasing pressure to perform and less time for regeneration, both physically and mentally.

"Unfortunately, the experience is that, due to lack of time, many people only consult a health professional when they have symptoms of a specific physical illness. And then the recovery rate is already worse. We have also had to face this fact within our company"- said HR manager Katalin Zsilvölgyi.

With this in mind, management decided to provide what are perhaps the two most important ingredients in the prevention process: testing and time.

The opportunity to apply is open to employees of Szabadics Zrt. and its subsidiaries, regardless of their job title. The two screening buses located near the headquarters were available during working hours and the cost of the tests was covered by the company. The screening was provided for foreign colleagues at their place of residence.

Feedback on the most important areas

The test package included a complete blood count, urine and stool tests, chest X-ray, abdominal and neck ultrasound and melanoma scan. It also defined the range of tests that could be requested by employees at cost price, in addition to the package provided by the company.

"The results of the ultrasound scans and the melanoma screening were immediately visible, and the specialists on the spot were able to comment on what they saw. The results of the laboratory tests and X-rays will be sent to the e-mail address provided by everyone during registration. With the findings issued, further investigations can be initiated by contacting the general practitioner if necessary"- explained the HR manager.

A similar initiative in 2018 was successful and useful, but the planned continuation was interrupted due to the company's move from Zalakaros to Nagykanizsa and the coronavirus epidemic. This year, however, all options were open, and the inspection appointments, which were provided over four days in January and February, filled up at record speed on the online platform.

Our colleagues exceeded all expectations by taking advantage of this opportunity: 75 per cent of the entire workforce registered and attended the examinations, providing extremely positive feedback. This is a good starting point for continuing, as regular screening makes sense.

The local patriotic attitude of Szabadics is shown by the fact that it has entrusted the realisation of the four-day programme to a private company, also with roots in Nagykanizsa. The health service provider carries out similar screenings with its buses at various companies throughout the country.