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Using Data to Drive Impactful Employee Health and Wellness Programs


Employee health and well-being have become increasingly important issues for organizations in recent years. As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers are seeking innovative ways to support their employees' overall wellness while also reducing costs. At the same time, employees expect their employers to offer robust benefits and programs that enhance quality of life.


Today we will explore how organizations can leverage data to design and implement impactful employee health and wellness initiatives.


Research on Effective Wellness Program Design


A growing body of research shows that comprehensive wellness programs can help reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower medical costs (Baicker, Cutler, & Song, 2010). However, to achieve meaningful results, programs must be tailored to employees' unique needs and preferences. This is where data comes in. By analyzing demographic information, health risks, medical claims, and program participation rates, employers can gain valuable insights into how to structure initiatives for maximum participation and health outcomes.


A substantial body of research has examined the components of successful workplace wellness programs. Some key findings:


  • Multifaceted programs that address physical, financial, and emotional well-being through various interventions tend to have the greatest impact (Soler et al., 2010). No single strategy alone is likely to move the needle on outcomes.

  • Programs must be highly accessible, with activities offered at convenient times and locations (Baicker et al., 2010). Barriers like time constraints or travel distances can undermine participation.

  • Incentives and rewards motivate behavior change (Volpp et al., 2008). Financial incentives of $600-$800 per year for meeting health targets correlate with improved health metrics and reduced costs.

  • Leadership support and company culture make programs more effective (Berry et al., 2010). Top-down commitment signals priorities and norms around wellness.

  • Data-driven customization increases relevance for employees (Gates et al., 2019). One-size-fits-all approaches are less likely to resonate and drive engagement.


This research provides a framework, but data is key for operationalizing effective programs in specific organizational contexts. The next section explores how different data sources can inform customization.


Using Data to Customize Wellness Programs


With the right data in hand, employers can develop targeted strategies to address their populations' unique needs. Several key data points can help with customization:


  • Demographic Data: Analyzing age, gender, location, family status and other demographics reveals disparities in health risks and priorities. For example, younger employees may value stress management while older cohorts need chronic disease support. This informs tailored programming and communications.

  • Health Risk Assessments: Voluntary medical screening identifies biometric and lifestyle risk factors like obesity, smoking, diabetes prevalence. Aggregating anonymous results shows where to focus prevention efforts and what resources will have high impact.

  • Medical Claims Data: De-identified claims reveal the most costly conditions, procedures, and medications. This points to specific health issues driving costs like musculoskeletal disorders or cardiovascular disease. Addressing top drivers through evidence-based initiatives can lower expenses.

  • Program Participation Rates: Monitoring which existing offerings like onsite classes or digital programs engage employees the most indicates interests and preferences. Low participation flags needs for improved access, incentives or marketing to boost relevant options.

  • Employee Feedback: Surveys and focus groups provide qualitative insights into barriers, desired new offerings, and what motivates behavior change. Direct input ensures programs evolve based on real employee needs and experiences.


With these varied data sources in hand, employers can design customized, multi-pronged wellness strategies to improve specific outcomes for their populations. The next section shares case studies of data-driven success.


Case Studies of Data-Driven Wellness Programs


Manufacturing Company Reduces Absenteeism


A mid-sized manufacturer analyzed health screening results and found a disproportionately high rate of musculoskeletal disorders among production workers, likely due to repetitive motions. Medical claims pointed to these as a top cost driver. Participation data showed on-site yoga and ergonomics classes were popular. In response, the company:


  • Expanded yoga and stretching options on all shifts

  • Provided ergonomic workstation assessments and equipment upgrades

  • Targeted communications to at-risk workers on injury prevention


Within two years, lost time incidents fell 15% and absenteeism rates dropped 10%, saving over $500,000 annually.


Hospital System Cuts Obesity Rates


A large hospital system found via health risk assessments that 40% of employees were overweight or obese. This placed them at higher risk for chronic diseases like diabetes that drive up costs. Medical claims corroborated a prevalence of obesity-related conditions. To encourage healthy habits:


  • The cafeteria revamped menus with healthier, lower-calorie options

  • New on-site fitness classes were offered at lunch

  • A team-based weight loss challenge used a mobile app for tracking


After one year, obesity rates decreased by 8% system-wide. Healthcare spending per employee fell by 6%, equating to millions in savings.


Tech Company Boosts Mental Health


Analyzing anonymous employee survey results, a tech firm discovered high reports of stress, anxiety and burnout, especially among younger teams. Participation data showed mindfulness apps were popular. To build resilience:


  • The company partnered with an online meditation platform

  • Managers received training on recognizing and addressing burnout

  • All-hands meetings incorporated brief guided meditations


Follow-up surveys found a 15% drop in stress levels company-wide. Presenteeism also decreased, translating to hundreds of thousands in retained productivity annually.


Conclusion


As these case studies demonstrate, data-driven customization allows employers to tailor wellness programs precisely for their populations. By understanding unique health risks, interests and barriers through various data points, organizations can design multi-pronged initiatives to effectively improve outcomes. Comprehensive, evidence-based approaches incorporating the right combinations of prevention, lifestyle management, and mental health support strategies lead to healthier, happier, more productive workforces.


For employers seeking to enhance employee well-being while also reducing costs, systematically analyzing available data offers a powerful roadmap. Regular monitoring of participation, health metrics and claims further ensures programs evolve based on evolving needs. When workplaces prioritize data-driven wellness, everyone wins - from individual workers to the organization's bottom line.


References


  • Baicker, K., Cutler, D., & Song, Z. (2010). Workplace wellness programs can generate savings. Health Affairs, 29(2), 304-311. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0626

  • Berry, L. L., Mirabito, A. M., & Baun, W. B. (2010). What's the hard return on employee wellness programs? Harvard business review, 88(12), 104-112.

  • Gates, D. M., Succop, P., Brehm, B. J., Gillespie, G. L., & Sommers, B. D. (2019). Now is the time to leverage big data to accelerate progress in workplace wellness program outcomes and healthcare value. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(4), 279-281. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001544

  • Soler, R. E., Leeks, K. D., Razi, S., Hopkins, D. P., Griffith, M., Aten, A., ... & Harris, L. M. (2010). A systematic review of selected interventions for worksite health promotion. The assessment of health risks with feedback. American journal of preventive medicine, 38(2), S237-S262.

  • Volpp, K. G., John, L. K., Troxel, A. B., Norton, L., Fassbender, J., & Loewenstein, G. (2008). Financial incentive–based approaches for weight loss: a randomized trial. Jama, 300(22), 2631-2637.

 

Jonathan H. Westover, PhD is Chief Academic & Learning Officer (HCI Academy); Chair/Professor, Organizational Leadership (UVU); OD Consultant (Human Capital Innovations). Read Jonathan Westover's executive profile here.



Human Capital Leadership Review

ISSN 2693-9452 (online)

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