Research indicates that wellness programs reduce health care costs, with reductions for large companies averaging $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs, according to a policy brief from Health Affairs.
If employees hold the ultimate power to reduce health care costs, then worksite wellness programs must overcome the number one issue for those employees — trust. Many employees don’t participate in wellness programs because they fear their personal health information could be used against them or they don't understand the motivations behind a wellness program.
So how can you build trust among employees? Show them you care about their health by following these five tips.
Be Transparent.
Worksite wellness programs should be a part of the overall company strategy for a healthy workplace. Share goals and objectives of wellness program. Be open to employee questions.
Post results.
After wellness activities are completed, be sure to report back to employees on progress and results. Share where the population health risks are, how future activities and participation will help reduce them and any new program goals or offerings.
Get input.
Survey employees to gauge their satisfaction with the program and create a wellness committee. Choose a committee staffed by employees at all levels of the company to help determine the programs that are implemented.
Promote Voluntary Participation.
Wellness programs should encourage people to participate by offering a range of activities that address different people’s needs. Design programs to ensure that no one is penalized for choosing not to participate and that no one feels coerced into participating.
Third Party.
To address concerns about potential misuse of personal health information, select a HIPAA-compliant, third-party administrator to manage the aspects of the program involving individual medical data. Employees must feel confident that their data remains confidential.
Employee trust is required for a successful worksite wellness program. Leadership can make or break employee trust, and an employee who trusts the wellness program will be more likely to participate - and create a better chance at reducing health care costs.
