Businesses that are prepared to utilize new technologies and embrace new approaches to employee benefit plan administration and design will be able to more effectively incorporate wellness initiatives into their operations, according to experts.
Creating online and mobile access to employees' data, such as information about their medical and health insurance utilization and expenses, the findings of health risk assessments and their participation in wellness programs can engage them more effectively. Panelist Delia Vetter recently told attendees of the Northeast Business Group on Health's 2012 Health & Wellness Benefit Conference that features like these can be used to help involve employees in their own healthcare and wellness.
Other experts said that internet-based information management, telecommunications and mobile applications have already proven their worth as part of a strong wellness initiative.
In education-based programs, for example, they can be used to improve participation levels, particularly among employees who are less likely to become engaged on their own. Newer delivery methods such as smartphone applications attract some of those workers who are most at risk.
