The constant evolution of the healthcare sector and the professional world has generated major trends in health prevention and quality of life at work for 2024. These 20 trends reflect a combination of technological innovations, societal changes, and government initiatives aimed at improving individual health and well-being. Here's a look at the key trends to watch in 2024.
Digitalization serving the personalization of health prevention
Digital health continues to gain momentum, with increasing dematerialization of prevention tools.
- The rise of wearables, such as smart rings and watches, transforms these devices into true allies in prevention. Technological advances now allow for extensive health monitoring, including up to 17 parameters for the Apple Watch, with features announced for the detection and monitoring of respiratory diseases as well as sleep apnea.
- Teleconsultations are enjoying considerable success, gradually making them essential. The widespread use of teleconsultation initiated by the Covid-19 pandemic is increasing the attractiveness of pharmacies, which are becoming the hubs of digital health services.
- Decarbonization in health continues its progress, with the government planning QR code experimentation on medicine boxes to replace printed leaflets. Moreover, e-prescription becomes mandatory in 2024, thus improving the efficiency of administrative procedures while contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint.
- High technology at the service of cancer prevention: Innovations involving advanced technologies have been progressing rapidly in recent years. Examples include Owkin's tool, which uses AI to anticipate and, above all, personalize breast cancer treatment. Or Floating Genes, which can detect certain cancers with a simple blood test.
Innovative measures for women's health
Women's health has undergone significant developments in recent years, presenting us with advances in the field of prevention and screening.
- Screening program for pregnant women: A systematic screening program for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnant women was proposed to the National Assembly, aiming to prevent mental and psychomotor delays in newborns.
- Reimbursement of hygienic protection: To combat menstrual poverty, reimbursement for menstrual panties and cups will be effective in 2024, benefiting insured women under 26 and beneficiaries of complementary solidarity health insurance. Health insurance will cover the amount 60%, under certain conditions which will be revealed when the system is set up.
- Free morning-after pill: The morning-after pill has been available free of charge since January 1, 2023, without a prescription, to all women, regardless of their age. This measure contributes to easier access to emergency contraception.
- Management of cystitis: Urine tests for nitrituria and leukocyturia have been available in pharmacies since November 30, 2023. They help improve the management of urinary tract infections, particularly in women.
Making prevention accessible to all
- Free condoms for under 26s: Male condoms have been covered by French health insurance at 100% since January 1, 2023, for certain brands that meet the specifications. This year, since January 9, it's the turn of female condoms to become free. These decisions contribute to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among young people.
- Revised prevention appointments: Prevention appointments with healthcare professionals now include specific age groups, promoting an individualized approach at key stages of life. The updated age groups cover 18-25 year olds, 45-50 year olds, 60-65 year olds, and 70-75 year olds. Different health prevention topics will be addressed for each age group. For example, 18-25 year olds will be offered addiction and cancer prevention consultations to promote a healthy lifestyle. From 45 to 50 years old, prevention will focus on chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Prescription sport for cancer patients: Experimenting with funding adapted physical activity programs for patients treated for cancer opens up new perspectives in the overall management of the disease.
- STI screening without a prescription: Over-the-counter laboratory screening for sexually transmitted infections is expanding. This allows young people under 26 to benefit from a test covered at 100 % by Health Insurance.
Quality of Life at Work propelled by new generations
Improving the quality of life at work remains a central concern, driven by Generation Z asserting their right to well-being at work. Trends that have already begun to emerge in recent years will continue to shape their era in 2024:
- Four-day weeks: The transition to shorter work weeks is accelerating, aimed at improving work-life balance. More and more companies are implementing it or at least want to try it in 2024.
- Hybrid work remains a reality despite the end of the pandemic, offering employees more flexibility, while allowing organizations to maintain a strong company culture.
- Generative artificial intelligence disrupts working methods, opening up new perspectives in terms of creativity and efficiency.
- The attention paid to mental health Employee satisfaction remains paramount, with the need to combat dissatisfaction and burnout.
- Equity, diversity and inclusion continue to be a central pillar of corporate strategies. Positions have emerged that manage diversity and inclusion within their teams.
- The growing demand for sustainable initiatives is pushing companies to take action in favor of the planet, highlighting the Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) as a lever of attractiveness.
- The Big Stay trend made its appearance, as a logical consequence of the great resignation and the quiet quitting. Why logical? Because indirectly, these mass phenomena led to a questioning of companies, which then put their efforts into a QVT strategy intended to retain their talents. It therefore seems that these companies have resonated with employees.
In recent years, health prevention has gained the importance it should have been given in the first place, with cures being reserved for unavoidable illnesses. In 2024, health prevention will be more effective in the workplace than ever before, thanks in particular to the long-term implementation of Quality of Life at Work strategies.
