Implementing Workplace NCD Screening as a Health Systems Initiative: Participation, Satisfaction and Short-Term Detection in Tamil Nadu

Background Non-communicable diseases account for 74% of annual deaths worldwide. Early detection of these conditions is necessary for timely intervention, and prevention. The workplace serves as a suitable environment for screening by reaching large groups of population under risk. However, the effectiveness of its use for the implementation of screening programs depends on employee participant, satisfaction, and health outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the employee satisfaction, participation rates, and factors influencing participation in workplace NCD screening programs along with the short-term outcomes, such as early detection rates. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across 29 industries from April 2024 to March 2025 in which the workplace NCD screening programs were implemented by the government health department. Information on participants' demographic profile, Morbidity status, overall perception of the screening program, and its impact was collected among its employees.Ethics approval was obtained from SRM IEC. Results A total of 296 employees participated in the study. 92.2% of the respondents had participated in a hypertension or diabetic screening program in the current workplace and 22.7% of them reported that they had made some lifestyle changes after NCD screening. Notably 43.8% of those with diabetes and 45.5% of those with hypertension were initially identified through this workplace screening program. Overall, 72.5% of the participants were satisfied with the screening programs. Each additional year of experience increased, the odds of participating in workplace screening by a factor of 1.127 (p value = 0.044). Employees who perceived the companies as very supportive of their health and wellness were 16.9 times (p value = 0.048) more likely to take part in workplace screening programs than those who consider their company non-supportive. Conclusion High participation rate, substantial initial case detection and strong employee satisfaction demonstrates that work place NCD screening program in Tamil Nadu’s organised sector are both feasible and effective in the short term.