Why Occupational Health is Essential for SMEs

A Global OHS Perspective

Following Carey Smith's insightful article on Why HR operations are an untapped superpower for SMEs, we asked the team at Global OHS to explain why partnering with a reputable Occupational Health provider is so critical to unlocking that superpower.

The Hidden Cost of Ill Health

SMEs make up over 99% of UK businesses, yet fewer than 50% of UK employees have access to Occupational Health support. This gap is costing the economy £150 billion annually, with 1.7 million workers reporting work-related illness last year alone, resulting in 33.7 million lost working days.

For SMEs, where every team member counts, the impact of even one prolonged absence can be transformative.

The Problem with Reactive Support

Most businesses only involve OH when crisis hits: after weeks of absence, when performance issues become entangled with health concerns, or when a grievance looms. By then, damage to the business, team morale, and the individual is already in motion.

Proactive OH support changes this.

What Good OH Provides

• Clinical clarity on fitness for work and realistic return-to-work planning

• Objective advice that separates health from performance issues

• Practical adjustments that work in real workplaces

• Legal protection through evidence-based recommendations

In Kelinova v Higgidy (2021), clear OH advice was central to a fair capability decision. The Employment Tribunal praised the OH report as "sensible and helpful," noting it allowed the employer to act fairly and lawfully without guessing or relying on hope.

The ROI is Undeniable

• Early OH involvement saves ~20 absence days per case

• Every £1 spent on mental health support returns up to £5

• Preventing one job loss can save ~£8,000

For SMEs, retaining one experienced employee or avoiding one tribunal claim can be business-critical.

The Real Question

It's not "Can we afford Occupational Health?"

It's "Can we afford not to?"

Global OHS

Global OHS provides fast, practical, and proportionate OH support designed specifically for SMEs—protecting your people, your managers, and your business continuity.