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HR & People Operations

3 Proven Steps to Boost Engagement in Community Wellness Programs

3 Proven Steps to Boost Engagement in Community Wellness Programs

The major determinants of good health lie outside of the healthcare system. Health and wellbeing are shaped by a wide array of influences like where we are born, live, work, learn and play. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies five social determinants of health that include: 1.) access to quality healthcare and 2.) education, 3.) social and community support, 4.) economic stability and 5.) the built environment.

At the center of improving outcomes for individuals and communities — are community centers that offer programs to address the health and well-being of local residents. With a plethora of programs and activities, it can be challenging for centers to educate members on all that’s available to them.

Here are three steps that can help community centers attract, engage, and keep community members on track with an effective community wellness program.

Step One: Provide motivating educational programs

group of people sitting and talking in a circle

Motivating educational programs are the cornerstone of sustained engagement in community wellness initiatives. Here’s how community centers can make their educational offerings more compelling and effective:

Personalization is Key

People are more likely to engage with content that feels tailored to their specific needs and interests. Personalized educational programs can address individual health goals, preferences, and schedules, making the experience more relevant and engaging.

How to Implement Personalization:

  • Assess Member Needs: Use surveys or assessments to understand the health goals and interests of your community members.
  • Tailored Content: Create content that caters to various demographics and health concerns. For example, offer different programs for young adults, seniors, and families.
  • Flexible Learning Paths: Allow members to choose their own learning paths within the program, ensuring they can focus on what matters most to them.
Leveraging Digital Platforms

Digital platforms can significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of educational programs. They provide a flexible and accessible way for members to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.

Benefits of Digital Platforms:

  • Accessibility: Members can access content from their homes or on the go, removing barriers related to time and location.
  • Interactive Content: Incorporate videos, quizzes, and interactive modules to make learning more engaging.
  • Progress Tracking: Use digital tools to track member progress and provide feedback, which can motivate continued participation.
Integration of Gamification

Gamification can make educational programs more engaging by introducing elements of play and competition. It taps into the natural human desire for achievement and recognition.

Gamification Strategies:

  • Points and Rewards: Award points for completing courses, participating in activities, and achieving milestones. Offer rewards or recognition for high achievers.
  • Challenges and Competitions: Organize challenges that encourage members to reach specific health goals. Friendly competition can boost motivation.
  • Badges and Certificates: Provide digital badges or certificates for completing courses or programs. This not only serves as a motivator but also as a tangible achievement members can be proud of.
Expert-Led Sessions

Access to expert knowledge can greatly enhance the credibility and attractiveness of your educational programs. Consider including sessions led by health professionals, fitness experts, and wellness coaches.

Incorporating Expert Knowledge:

  • Webinars and Workshops: Host live webinars and workshops where experts can provide insights, answer questions, and interact with members.
  • Guest Articles and Videos: Invite experts to contribute articles or video content that can be included in your program.
  • Q&A Sessions: Offer regular Q&A sessions with experts to provide personalized advice and support.
Community and Peer Support

Creating a sense of community within your educational programs can significantly boost engagement. Peer support and group activities can foster a supportive environment where members motivate each other.

Building Community:

  • Discussion Forums: Create online forums or groups where members can discuss their progress, share tips, and support each other.
  • Group Activities: Organize group activities or challenges that encourage members to work together towards common goals.
  • Mentorship Programs: Pair new members with experienced ones who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Example of a Personalized Program

Healthy Living 101: A Personalized Approach to Wellness

  • Week 1: Introduction to Wellness
    • Assess personal health goals and create a customized plan.
    • Educational videos on the basics of nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
  • Week 2: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
    • Interactive meal planning sessions.
    • Personalized nutrition advice based on dietary preferences and health goals.
  • Week 3: Exercise and Physical Activity
    • Customizable workout plans.
    • Virtual fitness classes and progress tracking.
  • Week 4: Mental Health and Stress Management
    • Techniques for managing stress and improving mental well-being.
    • Meditation and mindfulness sessions.

By implementing these strategies, community centers can create motivating and engaging educational programs that keep members invested in their health and wellness journeys.

Step Two: Automate program reminders and support

Automation is a powerful tool for maintaining member engagement in community wellness programs. By automating reminders and support, community centers can ensure that members receive consistent encouragement and information, helping them stay on track with their health goals. Here’s how to leverage automation effectively:

Personalize Automated Communications

Personalized messages resonate more with members and show that the community center cares about their individual progress. Tailoring automated communications to each member’s needs and goals can significantly enhance engagement.

Strategies for Personalization:

  • Member Profiles: Use member profiles to tailor messages based on individual health goals, preferences, and activity levels.
  • Dynamic Content: Implement dynamic content in emails and messages that changes based on the member’s progress and interactions.
  • Milestone Celebrations: Automatically recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements to keep members motivated.
Utilize a Multi-Channel Approach

Different members have different preferences for communication. Using multiple channels ensures that your messages reach members where they are most likely to see them.

Effective Channels for Automated Communication:

  • Email: Send regular updates, reminders, and motivational messages via email.
  • SMS/Text Messages: Use text messages for timely reminders and quick check-ins.
  • Mobile Apps: If your community center has a mobile app, use push notifications to deliver reminders and support.
  • Social Media: Leverage social media groups and direct messages for additional engagement.
Implement Automated Scheduling and Reminders

Automated scheduling and reminders can help members stay consistent with their wellness activities. This includes reminders for classes, appointments, and personal health tasks.

Automated Scheduling Tactics:

  • Class and Event Reminders: Send automated reminders for upcoming classes, workshops, and events.
  • Appointment Confirmations: Automatically confirm and remind members of their appointments with health coaches or wellness professionals.
  • Task Reminders: Remind members to complete specific health tasks, such as drinking water, taking a walk, or logging their meals.
Provide Ongoing Support Through Automation

Automated messages can offer continuous support and encouragement, helping members overcome challenges and stay motivated.

Supportive Automation Features:

  • Educational Content: Send regular educational content that aligns with members’ goals, such as tips on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
  • Progress Tracking: Provide automated updates on members’ progress, highlighting improvements and areas for further focus.
  • Motivational Messages: Send motivational quotes, success stories, and words of encouragement to keep members inspired.
Integrate Feedback Loops

Automated systems can also gather feedback from members, helping community centers understand their needs and improve the program.

Gathering Feedback:

  • Surveys and Polls: Automate the distribution of surveys and polls to gather member feedback on programs and services.
  • Interactive Messages: Use interactive messages that allow members to provide quick feedback on their experiences.
  • Data Analysis: Analyze the feedback collected to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Example of an Automated Support System

Engagement Rx: Automated Wellness Support

  • Daily Health Tips: Personalized health tips delivered via email and SMS based on member goals.
  • Weekly Progress Reports: Automated reports that track and highlight member progress, sent via email.
  • Class and Event Reminders: Automated reminders for upcoming classes and events, delivered through email, SMS, and push notifications.
  • Motivational Messages: Daily or weekly motivational messages to keep members inspired and engaged.
  • Feedback Surveys: Monthly automated surveys to gather feedback and suggestions from members.

By leveraging automation for program reminders and support, community centers can maintain high levels of engagement and help members stay committed to their wellness journeys. Automation ensures that members receive timely, personalized, and consistent communication, which is key to achieving long-term health and wellness goals.

Step Three: Give them easy digital tools to use

Providing accessible and user-friendly digital tools is essential for engaging community members in wellness programs. These tools can enhance the overall experience by offering convenience, flexibility, and continuous support. Here’s how community centers can effectively implement digital tools to boost engagement:

Select the Right Digital Platforms

Choosing the right digital platforms is crucial for delivering a seamless experience. The platforms should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and cater to the specific needs of your members.

Key Considerations for Choosing Digital Platforms:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Ensure the platform is easy to use, with clear navigation and minimal learning curve.
  • Mobile Compatibility: The platform should be fully functional on mobile devices, allowing members to access it anytime, anywhere.
  • Integration Capabilities: Choose platforms that can integrate with other tools and systems you already use, such as scheduling software and CRM systems.
Offer On-Demand Content and Courses

On-demand content allows members to engage with wellness programs at their own pace and convenience, increasing the likelihood of sustained participation.

Benefits of On-Demand Content:

  • Flexibility: Members can access content whenever it suits them, making it easier to fit wellness activities into their busy schedules.
  • Variety: Offer a wide range of content, including videos, articles, podcasts, and interactive courses to cater to different learning preferences.
  • Microlearning: Break down content into small, manageable segments to prevent overwhelm and promote consistent engagement.
Facilitate Communication and Support

Digital tools should facilitate easy communication between members and community center staff, providing ongoing support and fostering a sense of community.

Effective Communication Strategies:

  • Chat Functions: Implement chat features that allow members to ask questions and receive real-time support from staff.
  • Forums and Groups: Create online forums or groups where members can share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
  • Virtual Meetings: Offer virtual meetings or consultations with wellness coaches and experts to provide personalized guidance.
Track Progress and Provide Feedback

Tracking progress is crucial for keeping members motivated and engaged. Digital tools should offer features that allow members to monitor their achievements and receive feedback.

Progress Tracking Features:

  • Activity Logs: Enable members to log their activities, such as workouts, meals, and meditation sessions.
  • Progress Reports: Provide automated progress reports that highlight achievements and suggest areas for improvement.
  • Goal Setting: Allow members to set personal health goals and track their progress towards meeting them.
Ensure Data Privacy and Security

Members need to feel confident that their personal information is secure. Prioritize data privacy and security in your digital tools to build trust and encourage participation.

Data Security Measures:

  • Secure Login: Implement secure login procedures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect member accounts.
  • Data Encryption: Ensure all personal and health data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
  • Privacy Policies: Clearly communicate your privacy policies and practices to members, explaining how their data will be used and protected.
Example of a Comprehensive Digital Tool

Engagement Rx: A Holistic Digital Wellness Platform

  • On-Demand Content: Offers a library of videos, articles, and courses covering various health topics.
  • Interactive Features: Includes chat functions, forums, and virtual meeting capabilities for real-time support.
  • Progress Tracking: Features activity logs, automated progress reports, and goal-setting tools.
  • Mobile App: Fully functional mobile app for accessing content and tracking progress on the go.
  • Data Security: Implements advanced security measures to protect member information and ensure privacy.

By providing easy-to-use digital tools, community centers can make wellness programs more accessible and engaging. These tools empower members to take control of their health journeys, providing the support and flexibility they need to achieve their wellness goals.

For more on how digital wellness offerings and automation can help community centers connect with members to improve their health and well-being, contact our team.

Categories
HR & People Operations

What organizations need to know about substance use in the workplace

Pensive man standing
As the U.S. labor market nears its pre-pandemic levels, researchers are examining a potential connection between elevated substance use and labor force participation.

In a recently released working paper, the National Bureau of Economic Research posed a question: Could increased substance use during the pandemic be a factor contributing to the labor shortage? They found that a rise in substance use during the pandemic could account for between 9% to 26% of the decline in prime age (people ages 25 to 54) labor force participation from February 2020 to June 2021.

It is abundantly clear: it’s never been more important for workers to feel supported in their struggle with substance use, and on their journey to achieve lasting results. With employers uniquely poised to aid workers in their recovery, here are four things organizations need to know about substance abuse:

It’s not uncommon.

The pandemic hit right as the U.S. was entrenched battling another health crisis: the opioid epidemic.

It’s a crisis further exacerbated in the last two years by severe disruptions that rippled through nearly every aspect of day-to-day life. Early on, disruptions to alcoholics anonymous and addiction treatment programs led to the pandemic being labeled a “national relapse trigger.” The characterization has held.

Since then, the number of drug overdose deaths has dramatically risen to 100,306 (or by some 28.5%) over the 12-month period ending in April 2021, recent federal health statistics show. Nearly the same number of Americans died from alcohol-related causes, including liver disease and accidents, in 2020, according to a new report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Substance use disorders are in fact among the most common, and costly, health conditions.

In 2020, more than 58% of people (or some 162.5 million Americans) over age 12 used tobacco, alcohol or an illicit drug in the past month, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed. And according to the National Safety Council, “Nearly a third (31.5%) of working adults binge drank alcohol at least once in the prior 30 days.”

It’s often a private struggle.

Although exceptionally commonplace, substance use disorders remain stigmatized and isolating.

In fact, it’s expected that one in seven people will deal with substance use disorder in their life. Digging deeper: four in 10 adults report anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms as major contributors to their substance use. Pandemic-fueled stressors, uncertainties and isolation have intensified these struggles.

Another pandemic-era study found that nearly half of American workers were suffering from mental health issues, resulting in notable increases in workers’ substance use issues across all generations and industries. One third of those struggling noted that these issues have negatively impacted their work.

Be it out of a desire for privacy or confidentiality, fear of consequences or another reason entirely, many workers struggle in silence while appearing fine on the outside. But, with family, friends, and colleagues ignorant to their struggles, harm looms–not only to themselves, but potentially to workplaces as well.

It affects the bottom line.

The personal costs of substance are high. Drug and alcohol use can lead employees to miss work, lose wages and experience negative side effects in their health, wellbeing and lifestyle. For employers, too, the cost and impact of substance use disorders are tremendous. They include:

  • Absenteeism: Employees with substance use disorder had an increased likelihood to take 25.6 days off for illness and injury. That’s 1.5 weeks more than their colleagues.
  • Increased turnover: Employee turnover costs average 33% of an employee’s entire salary, which, when compared to the U.S. median wage, figures to be about $15,000.
  • Workplace accidents: Drug and alcohol use can lead to reduced job performance, faulty decision making, preoccupation with addictive substances, distraction and lack of focus, reduced cooperation with coworkers and diminished workplace morale.
  • Associated health conditions: Substance use, stress, poor sleep, poor nutrition, and a lack of physical activity are at the root of most chronic diseases that skyrocket annual health care costs in the U.S. to more than $3.8 trillion.

In total, it’s estimated by researchers that lost work, decreased productivity and additional healthcare spending due to employee drug and alcohol abuse can cost companies more than $81 billion annually.

It’s not a lost cause.

It’s known that the environments that people live and work in contribute to their well-being, and can even place added pressure on people’s substance use, mental distress and illness. In 2021, 80% of employees agreed that the stress from work affects their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers, a Mental Health America study found. This stress can often lead to larger mental health concerns.

Companies, however, can make a difference. Seeing as workers spend so much time at work, employers are uniquely positioned to create positive environments that promote, and support, well-being.

This starts with company culture. But it is ultimately supported and maintained with tools, like ​​enhanced digital health coaching, that empower employees to live healthier lives. Such evidence-based solutions, that are built by experts and employ psychology-based online courses, use digital technology to effectively meet workers where they are to address both the psychological and emotional factors associated with substance use disorder. The result: participating workers achieve and maintain recovery.

The trends in substance use are alarming, but this isn’t an all-hope-is-lost situation.

Fueled by empathy and equipped with the right tools, at the right time, employers can effectively support employees struggling with substance use, helping ensure they make lasting changes that improve their overall health and well-being, both in and out of the workplace. To learn more about how you can help your organization support individuals with substance abuse using the latest technologies available in the market, contact us.

Categories
HR & People Operations

Substance abuse in the workplace: how employers can offer support

Man with drink in his hand
It’s important for employees to know that they are not alone.

Time to read: 3 minutes
By Clark Lagemann

One in seven Americans will face a substance use disorder in their lifetime. And according to a recent survey, the pandemic has exacerbated substance use for employees. Among workers struggling with addiction or substance abuse issues, more than one-third say it has affected their work more since the pandemic began. So what can employers do to help if they don’t know their employee is struggling?

Synopsis:

  • Among workers struggling with addiction or substance abuse issues, more than one-third say it has affected their work more since the pandemic began.
  • Many employees are afraid to say they need help.
  • Substance use in the workplace results in absenteeism, lost productivity, and additional healthcare expenses.
  • Personal costs to individual employees include missed work resulting in lost wages among all the other health and lifestyle side effects of substance use.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
HR & People Operations

How remote and hybrid work has redefined wellness benefits

businessman with glasses using his computer in his home office
Our new reality has created new barriers to better health for employees who once thrived in onsite wellness programs.

Time to read: 3 minutes
By Clark Lagemann

The acceleration of remote-hybrid work has created new barriers to health for employees who thrived with traditional, onsite wellness programs. As impediments to better health increase, unhealthy lifestyles such as inactivity, poor diet, stress, inadequate sleep, addictions, and associated health risks such as depression, may be exacerbated. How can benefits brokers and managers help companies and individuals navigate wellness and behavior change options in a way that promotes lasting change?

Synopsis:

  • Why brokers should offer digital coaching to address mounting health and wellness issues.
  • How cognitive behavioral training can increase engagement and retention in programs to improve mental health.
  • The importance of offering behavior change programs to support mental health initiatives.
  • The ROI of behavior change programs for both the employee- and employer-paid programs as well as how programs contribute to the reduction of health spend.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
Health Coaches

Why personalizing care is essential to patient engagement success

Man drinking coffee and looking at phone
Content and interactions tailored to address unique individual choices and preferences create long-lasting healthy outcomes and drive habit changes.

Time to read: 3 minutes
By Clark Lagemann

Synopsis:

  • Stress, bad sleep, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and substance abuse are at the root of most chronic diseases that drive the most healthcare costs.
  • One-size-fits-all approaches do not engage individuals on a personal level, which impacts protocol adherence.
  • Technology can help scale a 1-to-1 coaching experience to improve results without straining budgets.
  • To effectively inspire engagement, platforms must provide a few key elements: approachable dialogue, flexibility of care, enhanced patient experiences, individualized two-way communication.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
Articles

Providing substance abuse support in a virtual world

people hugging
Substance use support delivered virtually is accessible, cost-effective, and allows anyone struggling with substance use disorder to incorporate life-changing cognitive-behavioral tools into their daily habits.

Time to read: 3 minutes
By Clark Lagemann

Synopsis:

  • COVID-19 pandemic created more barriers to care for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
  • Shuttered recovery centers and attention redirected from SUD to the pandemic left those experiencing substance misuse fewer resources for help. But the lack of virtual resources is also a longstanding challenge.
  • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 19 million adults who needed substance use care in 2016, only 10.8 received support.
  • Barriers to support include expense, unrealistic time commitment away from work and family, and perceived shame of seeking help.
  • Virtual SUD support is a solution to extend help to those in need. Virtual SUD support is accessible, cost-effective, and allows anyone struggling with substance use disorder to incorporate life-changing cognitive-behavioral tools into their daily habits.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
HR & People Operations

For employees struggling with addiction, digital tools can be the first step toward treatment

man stressed out
Employees dealing with the relentless stress of the pandemic are increasingly turning to drugs and alcohol to take the edge off.

Time to read: 3 minutes
By Paola Peralta

Synopsis:

  • Even in the face of office re-openings and the imminent return of the world as we once knew it, the uptick in employees grappling with substance use isn’t likely to subside.
  • By June of last year, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing their substance use as a way to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19, according to the CDC.
  • At-risk employees are spelling trouble for workplace productivity.
  • “When there’s a stigma it means you probably don’t want to get help.”
  • Avidon Health released LivingClear to address the need for new, discreet solutions for SUD.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
Health Coaches

Surprise! Patient engagement is about the individual

Woman with water bottle walking
It’s well understood that patient engagement leads to better outcomes. A powerful way to boost engagement is by delivering a personalized care experience so that patients can manage their condition in a way that best aligns with their lifestyle and goals.

Time to read: 4 minutes
By Tim Aumueller

Synopsis:

  • Because patient engagement boosts health outcomes, patient engagement and personalized care has taken center-stage.
  • Personalized care must go beyond providing education and treatment specific to a patient’s condition.
  • High-valued care and an enhanced patient experience must be driven by authentic and individualized conversations and flexibility to adjust care paths based on the patient’s lifestyle, goals, and needs.
  • Health systems and providers are merging technology with 1:1 communications in a way that focuses on the individual — not just their condition — and bringing it to scale.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
Health Coaches

Humanizing patient engagement with one-to-one coaching

Effective coaching delivered virtually must be conversational and personalized to the individual.

Time to read: 4 minutes
By Tim Aumueller

Synopsis:

  • 60 percent of American adults live with at least one chronic condition; 42 percent have more than one.
  • Physicians lament that patient engagement and treatment adherence is a pervasive barrier to health for those suffering from chronic health conditions.
  • While onsite, person-to-person coaching in tandem with physician-led care improves chronic disease management, it is expensive and time consuming.
  • Online person-to-person holistic health coaching is a cost effective way to augment traditional treatment, however it’s difficult to scale.
  • Technology platforms that deliver personalized health coaching via automated conversations provide tailored support at scale and improve health outcomes.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

Categories
Health Coaches

Key factors to drive healthcare engagement

Woman eating fruit
In an era when patient communication channels have moved online, how can providers ensure that digital health and behavior modification tools drive healthcare engagement in a way that promotes meaningful, long-lasting, and positive outcomes?

Time to read: 4 minutes
By Clark Lagemann

Synopsis:

  • Each of us is unique. Genetics, Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), and behavior calls on health systems and providers to address chronic health conditions and deliver treatment in a personalized way that meets each individual’s unique needs.
  • In an era when patient communication channels have moved online, providers leverage digital health platforms to drive healthcare engagement.
  • Cognitive behavioral interventions delivered virtually and tailored to the individual are a must to boost patient engagement and see positive health change, but how?
  • Interventions must align with a patient’s values and goals for lasting success.
  • Deploying an automated and effective onboarding patient experience and prioritizing personalized communication is mission-critical to ensure lasting success.

Click here to read the full article.

 

For contributed media inquiries, contact:
Kristin Hege
kristin@conveycommsagency.com
480-540-6496

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