With the growing popularity of worksite wellness programs, companies are rushing to develop new technologies and programs to roll out. At last count, there were over 500 wellness vendors. With that many vendors, it probably comes as no surprise to you, that reviewing and selecting the right vendor can be a very daunting task.
Now, when it comes to choosing a wellness vendor there are a lot of important factors to consider, but for me, like any relationship, vendor relationships should be built on trust. So how you can establish whether the vendor you're considering is really trustworthy? Here are some recommendations.
They Practice What They Preach
Would you take advice from a vegan how to grill the perfect steak? Probably not. It isn't their area of expertise. So one of the easiest ways to figure out whether a prospective wellness vendor is poised to deliver you good advice is to see whether they're taking their own advice. For example, do they have their own wellness program and what are their participation rates? Do they have a culture of wellness or do they operate in a high stress work environment?
They Directly Address Your Goals
Does your prospective vendors know your goals? Or are they trying to sell you a one size fits all workplace wellness solution? Is the vendor asking a lot of questions and taking the time to understand whether they are a good fit for you? You have a clear understanding of the direction of your wellness program - make sure your vendor can help you get there.
They Have Good References
Be sure to check references. The more questions you ask, the more informed decision you will make. Think about asking questions like: What was your overall experience? What three things did you really like? What three things you really disliked about the vendor? Would you hire them again? What was the system to handle issues?
They Are Up-Front About Which Services Are In-House
Outsourcing services is not a deal breaker. In fact, it's a sign of a mature a company that knows their strengths and weaknesses. Just be sure to ask your prospective vendor which services are in-house, and which services are outsourced. You will also want to keep in mind any extra fees that you might incur for outsourced services.
They Stay Up to Date With Industry News
Ask prospective vendors a couple of questions to test their expertise and knowledge of best practices within the worksite wellness industry. You want them to teach you new things and keep you on top of trends – not the other way around.
Bottom line, trust your gut when it comes to hiring vendors. If they're saying all the right things but there's still something off - don't select them.
How else do you determine whether you can trust a wellness vendor? Share your comments below.
