Forbes, May 15, 2024, By Dinesh Sheth
Employers are recognizing the importance of health and wellness benefits like never before. As different trends, medications and programs come and go in the wellness sector, employees may expect that their health benefit plans will update in response.
As a seasoned HR leader, you're likely familiar with the challenges of determining whether a new benefit is right for your organization. Still, as new wellness trends enter the HR discussion, it's a good time to consider what makes a benefit worth providing and how to get the most out of it for both employees and employers.
Weighing The Value Of Emerging Wellness Programs
Investing in holistic wellness programs has always been important because of the impact that individual and population health have on workplace productivity and job satisfaction. Though various aspects of well-being may come into greater focus at different times-like mindfulness, women's health and caregiver challenges with the aging population-there will always be someone in your workforce who needs these programs.
Tackling personalization presents several challenges for HR leaders. Beyond needing to prove the ROI of benefits initiatives, you've got to stay on top of constant media attention and the general public's opinion around new studies for health programs. Still, it's well documented that sufficient benefits plans can actually reduce employers' healthcare and disability claims costs, as well as improve productivity and retention.
When facing any new trending health concern, consider the limitations and caveats that come with what you include in benefits packages. Any high-cost service must generate sustainable improvements and lower healthcare costs to justify investment.
HR Is The Knowledge Center For Personalized Benefits
There's no "one size fits all" approach to addressing employees' needs and wants. Each person is unique and requires personalized options to lead a healthier life. To best deliver these experiences, it's important to leverage historic and recent health data from personal health and fitness devices, demographics and personal preferences. With recent advances in generative AI, things are only going to get better and more efficient for wellness programs. Organizations can build the right tech solutions internally or partner with a third party if their needs are more complex than they can currently handle.
As an HR leader, you play a pivotal role in ensuring employees are aware of the resources available to support them. Even when you offer optimized health packages, employees can find it time-consuming to sift through the tailored choices. One way you can overcome this is by consolidating employee benefits information, education, enrollment and utilization into one easy-to-access location.
However, it's equally essential to recognize that continuous engagement is key to fostering sustainable habits. Utilizing various communication channels can ensure employees are aware of and take advantage of available wellness programs and initiatives. Investing in a digital HR ecosystem presents a proactive approach to addressing population health, as well as expanding access to wellness resources and facilitating meaningful engagement. This holistic solution caters to the diverse needs of a multigenerational workforce, promoting overall well-being and productivity across the board.
Adjustable Benefits Practices Are Key
As an HR leader, you must focus on enhancing the availability of resources that promote sustainable healthy habits and demonstrate return on investment. For individuals, achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn't a static goal-it's an ongoing journey. Offering a framework to support your employees through any multifaceted journey will have a positive impact on their quality of life and overall happiness.