As a growing number of organizations implements wellness programs to improve employee health and productivity and lower insurance costs, many face similar challenges.
Programs may fail to achieve their goals for a number of reasons, experts said at the SHRM Annual Conference. Lack of employee interest, funding or staff resources are all common issues. Initiatives may also be flawed if they do not engage upper management or high-risk employees. One of the keys to meeting these challenges is communication, as well-informed workers are more likely to participate in and benefit from programs.
Experts suggested that appropriate communication might include emails, postcards, information sessions or other methods, BLR reports. It may also be beneficial to roll programs out in phases. This may reduce the strain on the organization's resources and staff, make it easier to explain and communicate with employees and lower the level of commitment required for initial participation, encouraging workers to give the program a chance.
When a program is well-designed and implemented effectively, it may lead to higher productivity, decrease the number of sick days employees take and injuries they sustain and have other advantages. Employee benefits for healthier workers typically cost less as well, and the combination of these advantages may boost retention and recruitment.
