PAM Group

PAM Group, occupational health for employers in the UK

PAM Group is a British company founded in 2004 that presents itself as the largest privately owned occupational health, rehabilitation, wellbeing and absence management provider in the UK. It works with over 2,000 employers across the country and serves more than 1.5 million employees. Its approach focuses on early intervention to reduce sickness absence and improve wellbeing in the workplace.

The company is currently part of Optima Health Group, according to its own website. Its activity is structured around multidisciplinary teams that integrate physiotherapy, mental health and neurodiversity support, with the aim of keeping employees in work and preventing prolonged absence.

Occupational health services

PAM Group's catalogue covers a broad spectrum of organisational needs:

• Occupational health: support to reduce health risks and maintain productivity.
• Absence management: programmes to reduce sickness absence.
• Health surveillance and fitness for work.
• Fit4Jobs: pre-placement screening.
• Management referrals: a service for managers to guide employees towards appropriate support.
• Occupational health assessment.
• Phased return to work.
• Online DSE assessment: ergonomic analysis of the workstation to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.

Mental health, physiotherapy and neurodiversity

In addition to occupational health services, the company offers a specific mental health and wellbeing area that includes an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), musculoskeletal physiotherapy (MSK) and neurodiversity support. These services are delivered through multidisciplinary teams with coordinated access.

Research and data on absence

PAM Group publishes an annual report, the Health at Work Report, which analyses growing pressures on employees and their relationship with absence. According to the data cited by the company, 94% of fit notes are used to sign employees off work, 25,000 people leave their jobs each month due to ill health, and one in five has a work-limiting condition. The company states that its proactive approach enabled 91% of employees referred to its services before illness prevented them from working to remain in work, and that two-thirds avoided absence.

The report also notes that 86% of employees believe their employer has a responsibility for their wellbeing, that almost two-thirds have experienced fatigue, and that a quarter have been diagnosed with clinical anxiety or depression. Nearly one in four has had musculoskeletal problems. The company points out that proactive help increases loyalty: one in two employees who received it said they would be less likely to look for another job, compared with 6% of those who received little or no support.

Delivery model and technology platform

PAM Group offers a flexible service delivery model that combines virtual care, onsite at the client's premises, in clinic and through mobile units. All modalities are managed through OHIO, an internally developed online platform that acts as a secure hub for employee health records and service activity. The company also provides online health and wellbeing resources.

The model includes fixed clinics at the client's premises, operating as an internal department, as well as ad-hoc visits when needed. The company reports access to a growing number of clinics across the UK and a managed network of more than 600 independent associates. The mobile units are 4G enabled and designed to replicate a clinic environment.

Client recognition

The website includes testimonials from client organisations. A director of workforce engagement at NTW Solutions highlights that PAM Group helped significantly reduce sickness absence and generate substantial savings. The head of colleague wellbeing at Marks & Spencer emphasises the focus on early intervention. The head of health at EKFB notes that PAM Group's conversation sessions were very well received and that 83% of its workforce now feels better prepared to talk about mental health.

Publications and resources

The company maintains an insights section with articles from its clinical team on topics such as menopause action plans, how to facilitate conversations about neurodiversity, or an introductory guide to occupational health. It also publishes a magazine, Compass Magazine, and offers free resources, employee guides and case studies. Content is shared through its blog, press releases and webinars.