Zocdoc introduces 'Unsick Day' to encourage preventative care

Brian Zimmerman -

The digital health platform Zocdoc and other marketplace partners are now offering employees the "Unsick Day" — a day off without penalty — to empower employees to participate in preventative care measures like annual physicals, skin screenings and dental cleanings that often go neglected due to workplace obligations.

According to a new Zocdoc-commissioned survey, 60 percent of employees feel uncomfortable taking time away from work to go to preventative care appointments, with half citing workplace culture as the reason behind this apprehension. Additionally, 86 percent of survey respondents admitted they would either cancel or reschedule a preventative care appointment due to workplace pressures.

"Most of us know that going to the doctor for a check-up is important, but all too often, the pressures and expectations of work take precedence," said Oliver Kharraz, MD, Zocdoc Founder and CEO. "Even at the most progressive companies, many employees worry that they will be judged or penalized if they take time off for a routine check-up. As business leaders, it's not enough to simply offer healthcare benefits. We have to be more proactive in empowering employees to take care of themselves."

Zocdoc, along with other Unsick Day founding partners — Buffer, Capsule, Everyday Health, Foursquare, Greatist, Greenhouse, Handy, Oscar, Sailthru, Virgin Hotels and ZOLA — have collectively guaranteed their employees thousands of Unsick Days for 2017 and are encouraging other forward-thinking companies to do the same.

To learn more about Unsick Day, click here.

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