Here's Why Most Employee Wellness Programs Don’t Work
It's time to rethink employee wellness with a more personalized approach. Employee wellness programs have long been a cornerstone of many companies' efforts to support their workforce's health and well-being. However, recent research indicates that the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to wellness may not be as effective as hoped. In this article, we explore the challenges of conventional wellness programs and the benefits of adopting a more tailored and empathetic approach, including the role of telehealth in this evolving landscape.
According to Wharton management professors Iwan Barankay and Peter Cappelli, wellness programs have been widely adopted, with over 80% of large employers offering such initiatives. These programs often include incentives like free screenings, gym memberships, and cash rewards for achieving health-related goals. The underlying premise is to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce healthcare costs.
However, despite their popularity and significant investments—around $50 billion annually—many wellness programs have struggled to deliver substantial benefits. Research shows that these programs tend to disproportionately reward those who are already healthy, while employees facing complex life challenges may find it difficult to incorporate wellness activities into their routines. One key challenge, as explained by Barankay, lies in behavioral economics. People often respond better when they receive immediate rewards for their actions. While incentives can be motivating, randomized trials have revealed limited improvements in health outcomes, cost savings, or absenteeism among employees in wellness programs. To address these limitations, companies should consider shifting towards personalized wellness initiatives. Instead of generic offerings like gym memberships, employers can focus on understanding their employees' unique needs and challenges. For instance, providing support to help employees find primary care doctors or offering transportation to routine appointments or telehealth appointments can significantly enhance health outcomes.
Moreover, the integration of telehealth services into wellness programs can play a pivotal role. Telehealth offers employees the convenience of accessing healthcare services remotely, eliminating barriers such as commuting or scheduling conflicts. Whether it's a telemedicine consultation or mental health support, telehealth can be a valuable tool in promoting well-being tailored to individual circumstances. Employee wellness programs hold immense potential to improve the health and productivity of a workforce. However, the traditional approach may not effectively address the diverse needs of employees. By adopting a more personalized and empathetic strategy, companies can better support their workforce and achieve more meaningful results. Telehealth, with its flexibility and accessibility, can serve as a valuable component in this shift towards a wellness program that truly makes a difference in employees' lives.