As an HR leader, you’re at the forefront of selecting the right wellness vendor for your organization. With years of experience pitching wellness programs and competing directly against many of the national, albeit less flexibles, solution, I know how overwhelming this process can be. Choosing the right partner is crucial—not only for enhancing employee wellbeing but also for delivering measurable ROI that you can confidently present to your CEO.
To help you navigate this critical decision, here are the three most important questions you should be asking any wellness vendor you’re considering.
1. How Do You Measure Success?
Why This Question Matters:
When evaluating wellness vendors, it’s easy to get caught up in promises of improved health and increased employee engagement. However, not all vendors can clearly define what success looks like or, more importantly, how they measure it. This question forces vendors to articulate the specific metrics they use to track the effectiveness of their programs, which is crucial for demonstrating ROI to your CEO.
What to Look For in Their Answer:
A reliable vendor should provide concrete examples of how they’ve measured success in the past, backed by data. Look for vendors who discuss real-world outcomes, such tangible health improvements or increasing employee satisfaction. Be cautious of vendors who only focus on participation rates without linking them to meaningful business outcomes.
2. What Evidence Do You Have to Back Up Your Claims?
Why This Question Matters:
The wellness industry is full of bold claims and attractive marketing, but as an HR leader, you need more than just promises. This question challenges vendors to provide solid evidence—whether it’s case studies, peer-reviewed research, or testimonials. It also gives you the tools to build a compelling case for your CEO, proving that the investment will deliver a strong return.
What to Look For in Their Answer:
Seek out vendors who can share detailed case studies showing their program’s impact, preferably in companies similar to yours. While it’s almost impossible for a vendor to have direct data on lowering healthcare costs or increasing employee productivity, don’t hold that completely against them. Instead, look for what they can control—did they identify health risks and make your team healthier? You can then model the potential financial savings and what that could mean for your organization. The best vendors will offer data that points to a clear return on investment, such as reduced absenteeism or improved employee health. Additionally, ask how they will support you in justifying this investment to your leadership team through detailed reports, presentations, or ongoing performance reviews.
3. How Will You Customize the Program to Fit Our Unique Needs?
Why This Question Matters:
Every company is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works when it comes to employee wellness. Your company’s culture, employee demographics, and specific goals should dictate the design and implementation of a wellness program. This question forces vendors to explain how they will tailor their offerings to meet your unique needs, ensuring the program resonates with your employees and aligns with your organizational goals.
What to Look For in Their Answer:
The best vendors will discuss their process for customizing programs based on your specific requirements. They should ask thoughtful questions about your workforce, goals, and challenges to ensure they understand your needs. Watch out for vendors who push generic solutions or seem more interested in selling you their pre-packaged program than in crafting something tailored to your organization.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Wellness Vendor
As an HR leader, your role in selecting the right wellness partner is critical. By asking these three essential questions—How do you measure success? What evidence do you have to back up your claims? How will you customize the program to fit our unique needs?—you can ensure you make an informed decision that benefits both your employees and your organization.
Remember, the right wellness program can transform your workplace, leading to healthier, happier employees and a stronger bottom line. The journey starts with asking the right questions and choosing a partner who is truly committed to your success.
