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Clark Lagemann Discusses Work-Life Balance on Top5_DefinedTalent Podcast

Avidon Health’s own Clark Lagemann was recently a featured guest on the Top5_DefinedTalent podcast, where he discussed “Top 5 Strategies to Lead, Run, & Raise a Family Without Losing Your Mind.”

work-life balance

Clark shared his perspectives on achieving balance between high performance, leadership, and personal life with host Tara Thurber. Key themes included dynamic balance, prioritization, and presence. He also touched upon his journey in healthcare and the foundation of Avidon Health’s behavior change philosophy.

Tune in to discover Clark’s insights on:

  • Prioritization and time management.
  • The benefits of daily physical activity.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Adapting to and managing chaos.
  • The role of accountability in success.
  • Defining personal success.
  • Protecting personal time and energy.

To learn more about these strategies and hear some excellent discussion be sure to listen to the whole episode on the Top5_DefinedTalent podcast.

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Employers & HR Leaders

How to Evaluate and Energize Your Corporate Wellness Program

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Mastering Corporate Wellness Program Evaluation: A Deep Divecorporate wellness program evaluation,"

When well executed, corporate wellness programs are a winning investment for your workforce. To maximize your wellness program Return on Investment (ROI), regular assessment is crucial. Beyond just financial returns, assessing your program ensures it aligns with broader organizational objectives, such as reducing absenteeism, improving productivity, and enhancing employee morale. Without consistent evaluation, you risk misallocating resources, failing to address critical staff needs, and ultimately undermining potential impact.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your wellness program is truly meeting its goals or how to make it better, this guide is for you. To understand if your corporate wellness program is optimized and driving meaningful change, the first step is to ensure it aligns with your organization’s broader objectives. This alignment is the focus of our next section. Let’s dive into the key components of a successful evaluation and how to use the results to drive meaningful change.

  • Strategic Alignment: Assessment ensures that your wellness initiatives directly support your organization’s objectives. For example, if a key goal is to reduce healthcare costs, evaluation can track the program’s impact on claims data. Similarly, if improving employee satisfaction is a priority, feedback surveys can gauge the program’s effectiveness. Once the strategic alignment is clear, the next step is to understand who is engaging with the program and who might be missing out. Analyzing participation data helps us identify these gaps.
  • Identifying Participation Gaps: By analyzing participation data, you can pinpoint which employee segments are actively engaging with the offering and which are not. This allows you to understand the barriers to participation and tailor your strategies to reach a wider audience. For instance, if data shows low participation among remote workers, you might offer virtual wellness options. Knowing who is participating allows us to make informed decisions about where to invest our resources to maximize impact and ensure positive ROI. Let’s explore how data-driven evaluation helps with this.
  • Making Your Wellness Dollars Work Harder-Optimizing Resource Allocation and Enhancing ROI: Data-driven evaluation enables you to allocate resources more effectively. By identifying which program components are delivering the greatest results, you can prioritize funding and refine your strategies to maximize ROI. Let’s say, a fitness challenge yields high engagement and positive health outcomes, invest more in similar activities.
  • Quantifying the Impact with ROI and Value on Investment (VOI): To demonstrate the program’s value, quantify its effect using both financial ROI and intangible VOI. For ROI, compare healthcare cost trends before and after initiatives implementation, or assess the reduction in absenteeism. Establish baseline metrics before the program launch to accurately measure progress. For VOI, consider intangible benefits, such as improved employee morale, enhanced employer branding, and increased team member buy-in. As an example, a survey showing a 20% increase in employee satisfaction scores post-program provides valuable VOI data. Although it’s important to have hard data, understanding how employees experience and perceive the program is equally crucial. Gathering feedback helps us tailor programs to increase staff satisfaction.
  • Making Wellness Programs Work for Your Team: Regular feedback surveys and focus groups provide valuable insights into employee needs and preferences, allowing you to tailor your program to increase engagement and satisfaction. For example, if employees express a desire for more stress management resources, you can introduce mindfulness workshops or meditation sessions.
  • Beyond Cost Savings: What Wellness Does for Your Team: Well-being offerings showcase your organization’s commitment to employees, attracting top talent. A supportive environment also fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. Beyond attracting and retaining talent, a responsible and effective wellness program must also adhere to legal and ethical standards. Any evaluation should always include a review of these important considerations.
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations: Assessment should include a review of legal and ethical considerations, such as HIPAA compliance for health data, ADA considerations for accommodating disabilities, and ethical concerns about data privacy and employee autonomy. Transparency about data use is crucial to building trust and ensuring compliance. For example, store biometric screening results securely, making them accessible only to authorized personnel, and do not share individual health data with managers unless you have explicit consent.

THE CORE COMPONENTS OF A WELLNESS PROGRAM CHECK-UP:

A comprehensive evaluation requires a thorough examination of several key components that contribute to a successful wellness program. Let’s delve into these fundamental aspects, starting with:

  • Management Involvement:  calculate corporate wellness program ROIActive participation by company leaders is crucial for success. When senior leaders take part in wellness activities and champion the program, it sends a powerful message that well-being is a priority. As an example, the CEO might take part in a company-wide step challenge or share their own wellness journey in a company newsletter. This not only boosts morale but also encourages employees to participate. Furthermore, it is essential to train middle management to actively promote wellness to create a culture of well-being throughout the organization.
  • Apps & Trackers: Digital tools can significantly enhance program engagement and tracking. Assess the effectiveness of your apps and trackers by analyzing usage data and gathering employee feedback. For example, are team members using the app to log their activities and track their progress? Are the app’s features user-friendly and relevant to their needs? Consider integrating fitness trackers with the company’s wellness platform to automatically log activity and provide personalized feedback.
  • Communication: Effective communication is a must to promote the program and ensure that employees are aware of available resources. Gear your communication strategies to resonate with different personnel segments. Use targeted email campaigns to promote specific wellness initiatives based on employee demographics and interests. Utilize a mix of communication channels, like newsletters, team meetings, posters, and intranet announcements, to reach a wider audience.
  • Incentives: Well-designed incentives motivate employees to participate and achieve their wellness goals. Make sure your incentives match employee values and preferences. Consider offering tiered rewards based on participation levels, such as gift cards, extra vacation days, or contributions to health savings accounts. To further boost engagement, consider incorporating gamification elements like earning badges for milestones or participating in friendly competitions.
  • Creating a Culture of Wellness: Building a culture of wellness goes beyond simply offering a program. This involves creating an environment that values and supports well-being at all levels. Encourage staff-led initiatives, such as walking groups or mindfulness sessions. Leveraging gamification through social challenges and friendly competitions can also boost participation and create a sense of community. Address non-participation by understanding the barriers and offering alternative options, such as flexible work arrangements or remote wellness resources.

Risk Identification: Understanding Employee Health

  • Biometric Screenings: Biometric screenings provide valuable insights into employee health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body composition. Ensure that employees are aware of their screening results and understand their significance. Provide access to resources and support for team members who need to improve their health metrics.
  • Health Risk Assessments: Health risk assessments (HRAs) are surveys that identify lifestyle risks, such as smoking, inactivity, and poor nutrition. Use HRAs to identify areas where employees may need additional support and adjust your program accordingly.
  • Claims Analysis: Analyzing health insurance claims data can reveal trends in employee health conditions and identify areas where your program can have the greatest impact. For instance, if claims data shows a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, you might offer ergonomic assessments or fitness classes focused on strength and flexibility.
  • Expanding Risk Identification: Go beyond traditional risk factors by including screenings for mental health markers, such as depression and anxiety. Utilize predictive analytics to anticipate future health risks and proactively address them. Broaden biometric screenings to include factors like sleep quality and stress levels, which can significantly impact overall well-being. Once we have a clear understanding of the health risks within our employee population, the next step is to tailor our interventions to address these specific needs effectively. This is where risk stratification comes into play.

Risk Stratification: Tailoring Interventions

 

  • Categorizing Employees: Focusing on staff according to their health and lifestyle habits allows you to better target interventions and allocate resources effectively. Consider these groups:
    • Healthy with Healthy Lifestyles: Maintain their engagement through advanced challenges, educational workshops, and opportunities to mentor others.
    • Healthy with Unhealthy Lifestyles: Offer personalized coaching, tools, and resources to support positive behavior changes.
    • Unhealthy Individuals: Provide access to medical interventions, ongoing support, and resources for managing chronic conditions.
  • Personalized Interventions: Tailor programs to individual risk profiles to maximize effectiveness. Use health coaching to guide behavior changes and provide personalized support. Ensure sensitive handling of stratified data, respecting privacy and avoiding stigmatization. For example, offer individualized health coaching sessions to employees with chronic conditions, focusing on behavior change and self-management.

Data-Driven Insights: Measuring Wellness Program Success

Effective program evaluation hinges on thorough data analysis. To uncover meaningful insights and identify areas for improvement, we must examine key metrics and trends.

Understanding Participation and Health Metrics:

Program participation is a crucial indicator of engagement. Track enrollment and completion rates across all wellness activities and analyze participants by demographics and departments to identify any disparities. Monitor changes in key health indicators, such as:

  • Weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Smoking cessation rates

Compare pre- and post-initiative data to assess the program’s impact on employee health. For example, tracking the percentage of employees who achieve healthy blood pressure after participating in a nutrition program can provide valuable insights.

Assessing Employee Feedback and Satisfaction:

To gauge employee satisfaction, regularly collect feedback through surveys. Use a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions. Analyze these survey results to identify program strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluating Financial and Productivity Impact:

improving corporate wellness programs

The program’s financial impact can be assessed by evaluating changes in healthcare claims costs and calculating savings from reduced absenteeism. Compare pre- and post-program data to determine the program’s return on investment (ROI). For example, calculate the cost savings resulting from a 10% reduction in employee absenteeism. Additionally, assess how the program affects employee productivity by tracking metrics such as:

  • Self-reported focus
  • Energy levels
  • Job satisfaction

Use surveys and focus groups for qualitative data on productivity improvements.

Leveraging Advanced Data Techniques:

Advanced analytics tools, such as data visualization platforms like Tableau or Power BI, can provide deeper insights. Apply statistical analysis to identify trends and correlations between program participation and health outcomes. Benchmark your program’s performance against industry standards to gauge its effectiveness. Supplement quantitative data with qualitative data gathered through focus groups and interviews to understand employee experiences and perspectives.

Distinguishing Leading and Lagging Indicators:

When analyzing program effectiveness, it’s essential to distinguish between leading and lagging indicators. Leading indicators, like participation rates, can include:

  • Program sign-up rates
  • Completion rates
  • Usage of online resources

Lagging indicators, such as healthcare claims costs and absenteeism rates, reflect past performance. Using both types of indicators allows for informed decisions regarding program improvements.

These data-driven insights will guide strategic decisions on where to invest further and how to refine the wellness offering for optimal impact.

BUILDING A PLAN FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: An Iterative Approach

Following the insights from our evaluation, the next vital step is to establish a process for continuous improvement. This means iteratively refining our program. Leverage your evaluation findings to make data-driven adjustments and optimize your wellness program through this ongoing cycle. Here’s how:

  • Iterate on Interventions: Continuously refine your program by introducing new initiatives based on employee feedback and data trends. For instance, if data reveals low participation in traditional group fitness classes, explore offering more flexible virtual options, such as on-demand workout videos or live online classes. This allows you to adapt to changing employee preferences and needs.employee engagement wellness solutions
  • Implement Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback mechanisms to gather employee input on what’s working and what’s not. Use surveys, focus groups, and suggestion boxes to collect feedback and identify areas for improvement. Actively listen to employee concerns and suggestions, and use this feedback to refine your program strategies.
  • Measure Outcomes of Changes: After implementing changes, track the results to ensure they’re delivering the desired improvements. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and assess the impact of your interventions. For example, if you introduce a new stress management program, track changes in employee stress levels and productivity.
  • Agile Methodology: Adopt agile principles to iterate on your wellness program. Emphasize rapid prototyping and testing to quickly identify and address issues. Conduct small-scale tests of new initiatives and make quick adjustments based on the results. This allows you to improve your program continuously and adapt to changing needs.
  • Change Management: Apply change management principles when implementing new wellness initiatives. Communicate the benefits of changes to employees and address any potential resistance. Provide training and support to help employees adapt to new programs and processes.
  • Long-Term Sustainability: Develop strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of your wellness program. Build internal capacity and expertise by training employees to manage and promote the program. Regularly review and update the program to ensure it remains relevant to the changing needs of your workforce.
  • Real-World Examples & Case Studies: Incorporate real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the impact of data-driven decision-making. Share success stories of companies that have effectively evaluated and improved their wellness programs. Highlight common pitfalls and explain how to avoid them.

Conclusion

Evaluating your corporate wellness program transcends just financial gains; it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel genuinely supported and valued. By thoughtfully applying the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll not only enhance your program’s effectiveness, but also cultivate a healthier, more engaged workforce. Building upon these foundations, the future of wellness holds exciting possibilities, including personalized approaches and the integration of innovative technologies like AI. Embrace these advancements to create a holistic and impactful wellness experience. We encourage you to take action today and begin the journey of optimizing your corporate wellness program. Contact us for a consultation and let us help you build a thriving and healthy workplace.


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Health Coaches

The Tech Future of Wellness: Professional Virtual Coaching

The Future of Wellness: Exploring Virtual Health Coaching 

In recent years, the wellness industry has experienced a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for personalized health solutions. One of the most promising developments in this space is the rise of virtual health coaching. This innovative approach leverages digital platforms to provide accessible, tailored health and wellness guidance, making it easier for individuals to achieve their health goals from the comfort of their homes. 

The Rise of Virtual Health Coaches 

Virtual health coaches are trained professionals who offer personalized health and wellness collaborative support through online platforms. These coaches help clients set and achieve goals related to fitness, nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being. By utilizing video calls, messaging apps, and digital tracking tools, virtual health coaches can provide continuous support and accountability, ensuring that clients stay on track with their wellness plans. 

Health Coach Platforms 

The success of virtual health coaching is greatly aided by health coach platforms. These platforms are the backbone of virtual coaching, offering a range of features that enable interaction between coaches and clients. Key functionalities include appointment scheduling, progress tracking, secure communication, and integration with wearable devices. Many platforms also provide digital content, courses, and gamification for clients to use between coaching sessions. Technology has empowered health coaches to deliver effective, personalized care and expanded their reach. 

Benefits of Virtual Coaching 

Virtual coaching offers numerous benefits over traditional in-person coaching. Clients can now choose a coach anywhere in the world without leaving their home. For the coach virtual appointments don’t require office space and all the expenses that entails. Everyone saves commute time and dollars and the coaches are able to charge lesser rates because of their savings. A classic win, win scenario. 

Digital Health Solutions 

The integration of digital Virtual health coaching health solutions into virtual coaching platforms further enhances the effectiveness of health coaching. Digital tools such as mobile health apps, wearable devices, and telehealth services enable coaches to monitor clients’ progress in real-time and provide timely interventions. These technologies also facilitate data-driven decision-making, allowing coaches to tailor their advice based on accurate, up-to-date information. 

Statistical Evidence of Improved Health Outcomes 

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual health coaching in improving health outcomes. For instance, research has shown that health coaching can significantly improve the management of chronic conditions, enhance patient adherence to treatment plans, and lead to better overall health behaviors[1][2]. A study by the Veterans Affairs Health Services Research & Development Service found that health coaching led to meaningful improvements in clinical health outcomes, including reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol levels[2][3]. 

The Future of Wellness 

As the wellness industry continues to evolve, the role of virtual health coaching is expected to expand. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning will likely lead to even more personalized and predictive health coaching solutions. Moreover, the increasing adoption of digital health technologies will enable coaches to offer more comprehensive and holistic care, addressing not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being [1][2]. In other words, expect more merging of human and technological skills to deliver even better results!

Final Thoughts

The future of wellness is bright, with virtual health coaching poised to play a huge role in helping people achieve their health goals. By leveraging health coach platforms, virtual coaching, and digital health solutions, the future of wellness will be more accesable, affordable, and effective. 

References:

[1] 100+ Studies That Show Health Coaching Works 

[2] The Effectiveness of Health Coaching – Veterans Affairs 

[3] ESP Report:The Effectiveness of Health Coaching – Veterans Affairs 

Categories
Articles

Burn Bright, Not Out: How to Spot Trouble Signs

Burn Bright, Not Out stages of burnout

If you’re reading this article chances are you know burnout has become a common challenge for many professionals. Characterized by chronic stress, exhaustion, and a sense of detachment, it can really impact both personal well-being and job performance. However, it’s possible to be happy and excel in your career without succumbing to burnout. By adopting effective strategies and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can sustain your energy, passion, and productivity. Let’s explore practical tips and insights to help you burn bright, not out, ensuring success and fulfillment in your professional life. 

The Components of Burnout 

Burnout is more than just being tired.  It’s a diagnosable state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought on by long-term stress.  According to Emily and Amelia Nagoski, authors of their book “Burnout:  the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”, there are 3 main components of burnout: emotional exhaustion, lack of accomplishment and depletion of empathy. 

  • Emotional Exhaustion: This is the deep-seated fatigue that comes from prolonged stress, where you feel like you’ve been running on empty for too long. You might experience sleep disruptions, difficulty focusing, shifts in mood like increased anxiety or irritability, and even physical symptoms like headaches or dizziness.
  • Lack of Accomplishment: An unconquerable sense of futility – feeling that nothing you do makes a difference. You’ll likely experience feelings of apathy and hopelessness, increased irritability, lack of productivity, and poor performance. 
  • Depletion of Empathy: The depletion of empathy, caring, and compassion. In this phase you’ll experience a host of negative consequences, loss of enjoyment, pessimism, isolation, detachment, and disconnection. 
The Stages of Burnout 

There are five stages of burnout. By understanding the stages and creating a sense of awareness, you can catch yourself before things get too bleak. 

  • Stage 1: Honeymoon Phase 

In the initial ‘honeymoon’ phase, you’re often excited and energized. But even then, small challenges can arise. That’s the perfect time to build healthy habits – like taking short breaks, setting realistic goals, and communicating openly. By doing this early, you can keep that positive momentum going.

  • Stage 2: Onset of Stress 

The second stage of burnout starts with the realization that some days are more challenging than others. You might notice a decline in your optimism and begin to experience common stress symptoms that impact you physically, mentally, or emotionally. Symptoms can include a lack of social interaction, forgetfulness, general neglect of personal needs, job dissatisfaction, headaches, and grinding your teeth at night. 

  • Stage 3: Chronic Stress

As you sink deeper stress becomes chronic. This represents a significant shift in your stress levels, transitioning from motivation to experiencing stress almost constantly. Symptoms here include physical illness, cynicism, feeling threatened or panicked, increasing alcohol/drug consumption, resentfulness, and procrastination. It’s time to correct course.

  • Stage 4: Burnout  

Now we’ve arrived at full-blown burnout, and symptoms become severe. At this point, continuing with your usual routine often becomes impossible as coping becomes increasingly difficult. Everyone has their own limits of tolerance, so it’s crucial to seek intervention at this point. Stage four includes self-doubt, isolation, neglect of personal needs, desire to move away from work or friends/family, feeling empty inside, and a development of an escapist mentality.  

  • Stage 5: Habitual Burnout 

The final stage of is habitual burnout. This means that the symptoms of burnout are so embedded in your life that you are likely experiencing significant ongoing mental, physical or emotional problems, as opposed to occasionally experiencing them. Common symptoms include chronic mental fatigue, depression, and physical fatigue. 

To combat burnout, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care by setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, engaging in activities that bring joy, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals. Taking care of yourself is at the root of combating this sneaky problem. A refreshed you is more productive!

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