HR & People Operations

Wellness program incentives
Article
Bryan Noar

Wellness Program Incentives – A Double-Edged Sword

Wellness Program Incentives  Rewarding employees for completing wellness program activities has become standard practice within the corporate wellness industry. According to data from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), nearly 60% of employers were already using incentives to drive wellness program engagement in 2022, doling out an average of over $700 per employee for completing incentivized wellness activities. . That’s a lot of money, so it begs the following question … Do incentives really make enough of a difference to produce a positive ROI? When it comes to participation, the answer is a resounding Yes. When The RAND Corporation conducted in-depth research regarding wellness programs a few years ago, they found that incentivized wellness programs achieve double the participation rate of non-incentivized programs. Not surprising really – after all, most of us were trained to react to incentives by our parents. “If you finish your homework I’ll give you a treat,” etc. But the real question is, do these incentives really work to create healthier, happier, more productive employees? This question has caused much debate and controversy over the years. On one side of the argument about the efficacy of incentives are those who point to the increased detection of undiagnosed health problems due to higher participation rates in health screenings. There are also those who believe that if you can get someone to do something for three weeks, it becomes a habit. [Sidenote: This is an urban legend; research shows that it typically takes anywhere from 18 to

employee engagement programs
Article
Bryan Noar

Employee Wellness: 10 Ways to Optimize Wellness Program Engagement

Want to create a truly engaging employee wellness program? Look beyond the basics and focus on understanding your employees’ unique needs. Involve leadership, ensure inclusivity, communicate effectively, and make wellness fun and rewarding. Discover 10 actionable tips to optimize your wellness program and foster a healthier, happier workforce.

How to Evaluate Wellness Vendors
Article
Clark Lagemann

How to Evaluate Wellness Vendors: 3 Crucial Questions Every HR Leader Should Ask

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

Creating a Healthy Workplace: Wellness Event Ideas for HR Leaders
Article
Clark Lagemann

Creating a Healthy Workplace: Wellness Event Ideas for HR Leaders

You already understand the importance of a healthy, engaged workforce. However, deploying wellness programs can often seem overwhelming, especially when considering costs and logistics. With over a decade of experience helping organizations implement wellness initiatives, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of wellness event ideas. These ideas range from easy, low-cost options to more complex and expensive initiatives, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your organization. In this article, you’ll discover 25 wellness event ideas, examples of companies successfully using them, and how to implement them effectively in your workplace. Why Wellness Event Ideas Matter Investing in wellness event ideas is not just about reducing healthcare costs or absenteeism. It’s about fostering a culture of health and well-being that attracts top talent, boosts morale, and enhances productivity. Wellness initiatives can lead to a happier, more engaged workforce, directly impacting your company’s success. Top 25 Wellness Event Ideas 1. Healthy Snacks in the Office Example: Zappos provides free healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars to encourage better eating habits. How to Implement: Stock your office with a variety of healthy snacks. Partner with local vendors for fresh, nutritious options. 2. Wellness Newsletters Example: HubSpot sends out wellness newsletters with tips on health and well-being. How to Implement: Create a monthly newsletter featuring health tips, upcoming wellness events, and success stories within your organization. 3. Hydration Stations Example: Intel installed hydration stations throughout their offices to promote better hydration habits. How to Implement: Place water coolers or hydration stations in high-traffic areas. Encourage employees to stay

Burnout
Article
Clark Lagemann

The Grind Culture: A Double-Edged Sword in the Workplace

Boost employee morale, retention, and productivity by transforming your workplace from a grind culture to a thriving, high-performance environment. Discover strategies to find balance, fulfillment, and long-term success for your team.

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