Knowing your health metrics can save lives. Know Your Numbers is one of the UK’s most important public-health awareness campaigns, highlighting the need to regularly check blood pressure and understand what those results mean. For employers, it also provides a timely opportunity to support employee wellbeing through simple, preventative workplace health checks.
High blood pressure remains the single biggest risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease in the UK. Crucially, many people are living with it unknowingly. As a result, workplace initiatives that encourage early detection are increasingly recognised as both a health and productivity priority.
What is Know Your Numbers! Week?
Know Your Numbers! Week is the UK’s largest blood pressure awareness and testing campaign, led by Blood Pressure UK and supported by healthcare organisations nationwide. Each year, the campaign encourages adults to get their blood pressure checked and to understand what constitutes a healthy reading.
Importantly, high blood pressure rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Therefore, many people only discover an issue after a serious health event. This is why routine measurement, particularly through accessible settings like the workplace, plays such a vital role in prevention.
Why blood pressure matters in the workplace
Around one in three UK adults has high blood pressure, yet a significant proportion remain undiagnosed. In practice, this can translate into increased sickness absence, reduced productivity, and higher long-term health risks for employees.
From an employer’s perspective, supporting blood pressure awareness delivers clear benefits. For example, early identification allows individuals to make lifestyle changes or seek medical advice sooner. As a result, the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events is reduced, benefiting both employees and organisations alike.
Blood pressure: the “silent” workplace risk
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually develops without warning signs. However, over time it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.
In addition, prolonged exposure to workplace stress, sedentary roles, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to elevated readings. Consequently, employers are increasingly recognising the value of preventative health initiatives that go beyond reactive sickness management.
How workplace health checks support prevention
Offering on-site health checks during awareness campaigns removes common barriers to participation, such as lack of time or access to appointments. Moreover, it normalises conversations around health and encourages employees to take ownership of their wellbeing.
At Latus Group, workplace health and wellness screening can include blood pressure checks alongside other key indicators such as cholesterol, blood glucose, and body composition. These checks are delivered by trained professionals and aligned with best-practice occupational health standards.
You can learn more about our health and wellness screening services and how they integrate into broader wellbeing strategies.
Government focus on preventative workplace health
In recent years, the UK government has increased its emphasis on preventative healthcare delivered through workplaces. New initiatives aim to reach individuals who may not otherwise attend routine NHS health checks, particularly working-age adults.
According to NHS data, millions of eligible people still do not attend an NHS Health Check when invited. This is especially evident among men, who are statistically more likely to develop cardiovascular disease earlier in life. Therefore, workplace-based checks offer a practical way to close this gap.
Health checks delivered through the NHS assess cardiovascular risk and support early intervention. Further information can be found on the NHS Health Check programme.
Why this matters to UK employers
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees so far as is reasonably practicable. While blood pressure screening is not a statutory requirement, proactive wellbeing measures demonstrate a strong commitment to this duty.
In addition, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive encourages employers to address work-related health risks, including stress and lifestyle factors that can contribute to long-term illness. Supporting preventative health initiatives can therefore complement compliance with broader health and safety obligations.
For authoritative guidance, employers can refer to HSE workplace health and wellbeing guidance.
How Latus Group supports workplace wellbeing
Latus Group provides a comprehensive range of occupational health services designed to support healthier, safer workplaces. In addition to wellness screening, our services include:
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Health surveillance programmes aligned with workplace risk
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Management referrals for sickness absence and fitness-for-work advice
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Workplace testing, vaccinations, and biological monitoring
Importantly, these services are delivered by experienced occupational health professionals and tailored to the specific needs of UK employers across multiple sectors.
Practical steps for employers during awareness campaigns
Taking part in national awareness weeks can be straightforward and impactful. For example, employers may choose to:
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Promote blood pressure awareness through internal communications
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Offer voluntary on-site screening days
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Signpost employees to trusted NHS resources
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Embed health checks into a wider wellbeing calendar
As a result, employees are more likely to engage, understand their health metrics, and take positive action.
A proactive approach to employee health
Supporting blood pressure awareness is a simple yet powerful way to invest in long-term workforce health. By encouraging employees to understand their numbers, employers can help reduce the risk of serious illness while fostering a culture of prevention and care.
If you would like to explore how workplace screening or wider occupational health support could benefit your organisation, Latus Group can provide expert, UK-compliant guidance tailored to your workforce.
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