The constant evolution of the health sector and the professional world has generated major trends in health prevention and quality of life at work for the year 2024. These 20 trends reflect a combination of technological innovations and societal changes. and government initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of individuals. Here's a look at the top trends to watch for in 2024.
Digitalization serving the personalization of health prevention
Digital health continues to gain momentum, with an increasing dematerialization of prevention tools.
- The rise of “wearables”, such as connected rings and watches, transforms these devices into real allies for prevention. Technological advances now enable expanded health monitoring, including up to 17 parameters for the Apple Watch, with features announced for the detection and monitoring of respiratory illnesses as well as sleep apnea.
- Teleconsultations have enjoyed considerable success, gradually making them essential. The generalization of teleconsultation initiated by the Covid-19 pandemic reinforces the attractiveness of pharmacies, which are becoming the hubs of digital health services.
- Decarbonization in health continues its progress, with the government planning experimenting with QR codes 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 going well in recent years. We are thinking in particular of the Owkin tool which makes it possible to anticipate and above all personalize the treatment of breast cancer using AI. 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, for all women, regardless of their age. This measure thus contributes to ease of access to emergency contraception.
- Management of cystitis: Urine nitrituria and leukocyturia tests have been available in pharmacies since November 30, 2023. They help improve the management of urinary infections, particularly in women.
Making prevention accessible to all
- Free condoms for under 26s: Male condoms have been covered at 100% by Health Insurance since January 1, 2023, for certain brands meeting the specifications. This year, since January 9, it is 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 periods of life. The updated age groups therefore concern 18-25 years, 45-50 years, 60-65 years and 70-75 years. At each age group, different health prevention topics will be covered. For example, 18-25 year olds will be offered addiction and cancer prevention consultations, in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. From 45 to 50 years old, prevention will revolve around chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Prescription sport for cancer patients: Experimenting with the financing of adapted physical activity programs for patients treated for cancer opens up new perspectives in the overall management of the disease.
- STI testing without a prescription: Testing for sexually transmitted infections in the laboratory, without a prescription, is expanding. It thus allows young people under 26 to benefit from an examination covered at 100 % by Health Insurance.
Quality of Life at Work propelled by new generations
Improving the quality of life at work remains at the heart of concerns, driven by Generation Z claiming their right to well-being at work. Trends that have already started to appear in recent years continue to mark their era in 2024:
- Four-day weeks: The transition to shorter work weeks is accelerating, aiming to improve 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 new perspectives in terms of creativity and efficiency.
- The attention paid to mental health of employees remains essential, with the need to fight against dissatisfaction and professional burnout.
- Equity, diversity and inclusion continue to be a central pillar of business strategies. Positions have emerged that manage diversity and inclusion within their teams.
- The growing demand for sustainable initiatives pushes companies to act 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.
Health prevention has gained in recent years the importance that should have been given to it in the first place, healing having to be reserved for unavoidable illnesses. In 2024, it is more than ever in companies that health prevention will act, thanks in particular to Quality of Life at Work strategies implemented sustainably.
