How to ensure lasting employee engagement in your workplace health program

Maintaining a healthy and engaged workforce is a cornerstone of a successful organization. Workplace health programs not only enhance the well-being of employees but also contribute to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a positive company culture.

Health perks are now highly valued. According to a study done by Harvard researchers, for every dollar a company spends on preventative workplace wellness, medical costs will fall by $3.27 and absenteeism also drops by $2.73. That amounts to a 6-to-1 return on your investment.

However, the challenge lies in inspiring enthusiastic and sustained employee engagement in these initiatives. Let’s delve into some effective strategies that can help your organization achieve just that.

Offer a program that’s flexible and convenient

Acknowledge that employees have busy schedules, and it might be challenging for them to allocate dedicated time for wellness activities. Provide flexible timing or on-demand options for participation, such as recorded fitness sessions or resources that employees can access at their convenience. In the wake of COVID-19, telehealth has emerged as an accessible option for individuals with busy schedules. Programs like cardioriskSCORE allow employees to take control of their health from home with a simple noninvasive saliva test in the mail and follow up care through the Allelica Health Assistant App.

Clearly communicate the benefits and user-friendliness of the program

Effective communication and feedback are the backbone of successful engagement. If employees don’t see the value of the program upfront, they are highly unlikely to look into it further, let alone enroll. Leading up to the launch of the program, ensure to clearly communicate the goals, benefits, and details of your health program. Use multiple communication channels to reach employees, such as email, posters around the office, intranet, and even team meetings. Regular reminders and updates will keep the programs on employees’ radar and foster a sense of belonging.

Lead by example

Leadership buy-in and involvement are crucial for the success of any initiative. When employees see their managers actively participating in health programs, it sends a powerful message. Leaders can encourage participation through their own healthy habits and by openly sharing their positive experiences. This creates a culture where employee well-being is genuinely valued from the top down.

Take a personalized approach

Recognize that each employee has unique needs and preferences when it comes to health and wellness. Offer a program that can apply to employees with varying fitness levels, backgrounds and lifestyles. cardioriskSCORE assesses employees’ genetic risk of heart attack, together with their other individual risk factors and provides personalized risk assessments and tailored risk reduction plans, regardless of the employee’s risk level.

Gather employee feedback

Involve employees in the planning and decision-making process for health programs. Conduct surveys or focus groups with a varied range of staff to gather insights into their preferences and needs. When employees feel that their opinions matter, they are more likely to engage in initiatives designed with their input.

Provide ongoing education

Host workshops, webinars, and seminars that educate employees about various aspects of health and well-being. Cover topics such as stress management, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and mental health. Empower employees with knowledge that they can apply to improve their overall quality of life.

Celebrate employee success stories

Share success stories of employees who have benefited from the workplace health programs. Highlight their achievements and how their overall well-being has improved. This not only motivates others to join in but also creates a sense of community and support among colleagues.

Aim for long-term integration

Workplace health programs shouldn’t be seen as short-term initiatives. Integrate health and wellness into the company’s culture and values. This includes incorporating wellness into performance evaluations, setting health-related goals alongside business goals, and continuously iterating on the programs based on feedback and results. CardioriskSCORE provides valuable data insights that can guide your wellness initiatives. By analyzing trends and patterns in cardiovascular health data, you can tailor programs that address your employees’ unique needs, leading to healthier outcomes and a more engaged workforce.

To summarize, inspiring enthusiastic and sustained employee engagement in workplace health programs requires a multifaceted approach that considers individual preferences, leadership involvement, and effective communication. By fostering a supportive culture that prioritizes employee well-being and creating programs that resonate with them, organizations can reap the benefits of a healthier, happier, and more engaged workforce.

For more information on high engagement workplace health programs for your organization, schedule a 30 minute meeting with us today.