Investing in health through an incentive-based strategy is the path toward healthier and more satisfied employees.
The human body was designed to move, and when this does not happen, it becomes sedentary and more prone to health problems. Today, the same logic applies to the corporate environment through the focus that Human Resources departments place on Health and Wellness Programs. Investing in employee health is one of the fundamental pillars of long-term business success.
When the focus is placed on measurable and concrete actions, employers begin to have the necessary benchmarks to strengthen employees’ sense of purpose. Sustainable initiatives give employees greater responsibility in their tasks and contribute to an overall increase in productivity.
As corporate changes take place in such a dynamic and organic way, organizations now have an inherent need to focus on the health of their employees. In this regard, it is essential to include relevant activities that are accessible across the workforce in order to create a competitive advantage and improve talent retention.
Digital Prevention as a Strategy
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Health and Wellness industry is currently one of the largest and fastest-growing industries, valued at more than $4 trillion—twice the rate of global growth.
It is important to note that health is only one of the factors that make up overall wellness. By incorporating technological elements, it is possible to provide employees with a more appropriate and holistic approach while also addressing emotional well-being.
At a time when 7 out of 10 Millennials suffer from burnout, it is important to understand that this age group—one of the largest segments of the workforce today—also experiences other mental health conditions.
And this represents both a challenge and an opportunity for companies.
In a culture dominated by technology, digital devices make it possible for employees to remain constantly accessible to both professional demands and social pressures, leading to increased stress and exhaustion. Additionally, the lack of genuine human connection—as most communication takes place through messages, email, or social media—also increases feelings of isolation.
That is why it is important to leverage digital opportunities to help employees build greater resilience while maintaining expected levels of productivity.
Furthermore, through personalization and an appropriate incentive system, it is possible to maximize benefits while minimizing long-term costs.
Preventing Burnout
An employee’s energy levels can be compared to a cell phone battery. When our phone batteries reach 5 or 10%, one of our highest priorities is to allow the battery to recharge.
The same should be done with employees.
Any employee experiencing low energy levels in the workplace needs a support system that allows them to recover their mental well-being.
According to Modern Health, employers often face a significant challenge: three out of four employees say their jobs are highly stressful and that they are considering changing jobs. This becomes a serious problem for companies that value a stable and skilled workforce.
According to the same study, emotional well-being can also cost employers up to $500 billion per year.
To reduce and prevent burnout, it is essential that initiatives are aligned with specific company objectives and that organizations develop a culture that encourages employees to ask for help whenever necessary.
It is important to clarify the difference between mental health and mental illness. While mental health involves emotions, thoughts, feelings, and the ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, it is not synonymous with mental illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“Throughout an entire lifetime, not everyone will experience a mental illness, but everyone will face a challenge related to their mental well-being,” the association states.
Personalized Support
Even for employees who are emotionally well, it is always important to develop activities that help reduce stress while increasing productivity and workplace engagement.
According to a study by Goamra, using a meditation app can improve emotional well-being and emotional regulation among employees.
But what else can be done?
If Millennials respond better to personalized solutions, it is important to use technological devices that leverage technology to develop programs specifically designed for each user and aligned with their current needs.
However, considering that human contact is also an important element, the most sensible approach is to create hybrid solutions that allow personalization while also encouraging interaction between employees.
In other words, it is essential to emphasize how the power of technology can help people adopt different practices.
As early as 2012, a study conducted by Chapman et al. concluded that participants in health and wellness programs had healthcare costs that were 25% lower than those of non-participants.
Today, with a growing focus on employee well-being, health and wellness programs are expanding—and for the right reasons. Increasingly, scientific studies point to the benefits that these programs, when implemented correctly, can provide, including a higher ROI for companies that invest in them.
Have you implemented your Program yet?
