How to Choose the Right Workplace Wellness Program
After spending more than a decade helping organizations build, implement, and refine workplace wellness programs, one thing is crystal clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Over the years, I’ve seen companies thrive with homegrown initiatives, partnered with some of the most reputable national programs, and developed highly customized solutions from scratch. The common thread? It’s not about adopting the “best” program, but rather finding what works best for your organization.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the key questions you should ask yourself when evaluating your workplace wellness needs, and I’ll help you understand where your organization might fall on the wellness spectrum—whether you’re ready for a simple solution, a comprehensive program, or something in between.
The Power of Wellness
Workplace wellness is more than just offering a gym membership or free fruit in the breakroom. It’s about fostering an environment that encourages long-term behavior change—something I’ve seen firsthand in companies that take wellness seriously. At Avidon Health, we’ve worked with organizations across the spectrum, from those just starting their wellness journey to companies looking to revamp or scale mature programs.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the most successful wellness programs don’t necessarily follow a rigid template. Instead, they evolve based on the unique culture, goals, and needs of the workforce. Whether you’re considering a DIY approach, partnering with an external provider, or integrating a digital health solution, the key to success is knowing what you need before diving in.
10 Questions to Help You Find the Right Wellness Program
Before launching or revamping your workplace wellness program, take a moment to answer these key questions. Your responses will help determine the best path for your organization.
- What are the specific health needs of your employees?
- Do you have data on chronic conditions, mental health challenges, or other prevalent health issues within your workforce?
- How much internal expertise do you have?
- Do you have team members who can lead wellness initiatives, or would you need external support?
- What’s your budget?
- Are you able to invest in a full-scale wellness program, or are you looking for more cost-effective solutions?
- How much time and resources can you allocate?
- Do you have time for ongoing management, or do you need a program that’s more hands-off?
- What kind of outcomes are you hoping to achieve?
- Are you aiming to reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, or enhance employee morale and engagement?
- What’s the culture of your organization?
- Are employees likely to engage with wellness programs, or will you need to work harder to build buy-in?
- How diverse are your employee demographics?
- Are you addressing a broad spectrum of ages, job roles, and health needs?
- What types of wellness activities would resonate most with your team?
- Would they prefer physical challenges, mental health resources, or financial wellness programs?
- Are you looking for a digital or in-person solution?
- Would your workforce respond better to app-based tools, on-site classes, or a hybrid approach?
- How will you measure success?
- Do you have clear KPIs or metrics for tracking the program’s impact, and the capacity to monitor these over time?
What Type of Wellness Program Is Right for You?
Score Yourself
Take a moment to count the number of “yes” answers. Based on your score, you’ll have a better idea of which type of wellness program will suit your organization’s needs.
Score 0-3
Basic and Low-Cost Solutions
You’re just starting your wellness journey, or your organization has minimal resources to devote to wellness. A basic program with free or low-cost initiatives (like walking challenges or monthly webinars) might be the best starting point. Consider partnering with low-cost providers or utilizing free tools to kick things off.
Score 4-6
Hybrid and Flexible Solutions
You have a moderate level of readiness and resources. You may want to explore a hybrid workplace wellness program that combines in-house efforts with outsourced digital tools. Programs like health coaching, nutrition counseling, and fitness tracking apps could fit well here.
Score 7-10
Comprehensive Solutions
You’re ready for a more advanced wellness program. This approach could include behavior change coaching, mental health support, and biometric screenings. Partner with an external provider to manage the logistics should help maximum value without burdening your internal team.
Why Workplace Wellness Is Essential for Your Organization
Workplace wellness programs aren’t just about health outcomes—they’re about culture, productivity, and the overall employee experience. Over the years, I’ve seen workplace wellness programs significantly improve employee engagement and morale, while also driving down healthcare costs. But more importantly, they create a sense of community and shared responsibility for well-being in the workplace.
The true value of wellness programs lies in their ability to inspire behavior change. Whether it’s through fitness challenges, mental health support, or nutritional education, when employees feel supported in their health journey, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the company.
Conclusion
There’s no magic formula for building the perfect wellness program, but by answering the right questions and understanding your workforce’s unique needs, you can make informed decisions that lead to lasting impact. Whether you’re implementing a simple initiative or scaling up a comprehensive program, wellness is an investment in both your employees’ well-being and your company’s future.
If you’re ready to take your workplace wellness programs to the next level, we’re here to help you build a solution that fits your organization perfectly.
Keywords: workplace wellness programs, health coaching solutions, behavior change at scale, customizable wellness programs, employee engagement, corporate wellness, Avidon Health.
