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BenefitsAll

Wellness Programs

Workplace Wellness--Same Old Blame Game

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These days nearly every Human Resource department has a wellness function. Larger firms often employ full-time staff to run the program.  However, for most midsize or smaller firms it’s a Benefits pro or HR generalist side gig.  It is these folks who are responsible for coordinating wellness testing and related events.  And right now is their busiest time of year--the “Opening Act” so to speak for the annual benefits open enrollment period.

I don’t envy these folks. Workplace wellness is not an enjoyable gig. Employees hate the intrusiveness of the program and employers; well they just use it as an excuse to look like they are trying to keep health care costs down. Just ask any “Wellness Coordinator” what their biggest gripe is and trust me it won’t be about lack of employee engagement. The biggest gripe these folks have is the constant pressure to keep the numbers up. And not the numbers you think.

  • How many employees received flu shots?
  • How many employees received biometric screenings?
  • How many employees attended this quarter's wellness lunch and learn session?
You see comparing last year's wellness events' attendance to the current years' is often the only program metric the HR dept. tracks.  It's their way of justifying the wellness program to management.  Because wellness program events are voluntary at most workplaces, it’s hard to keep people coming back year after year. But that is exactly what Human Resource department heads expect their low- to mid-level Wellness Coordinators to do. Keep the numbers the same or higher… The fact that research shows that regular screening is unnecessary and has a negative effect on both health and health insurance costs is not an argument HR is willing to hear. Continue Reading...
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Can The Apple Watch Replace Traditional Wellness Programs?

Jeb Bush's remarks about how the Apple Watch can transform the American healthcare system didn't go over really well with people who already dislike him and his family. Granted he is not the most articulate guy and we know he's a poor listener, but I'm not sure he meant to say what a lot of people are accusing him of saying. People accused him of saying that the Apple Watch could replace Obamacare or basic medical care.

And while I will never be caught defending a Bush (I have yet to resolve the trauma I experienced when Dubya first became President), I think Jebya was just looking for an opportunity to let everyone know how much he loves his Watch and how it's changing his health habits. And I get it. I got my Apple Watch (Sport) on April 29th and the fitness tracking apps have changed my life. I love getting the reminders to stand and the awards for meeting my fitness goals. Even when I don't receive a reminder, I check to make sure I am on track to meet my daily exercise, calorie and standing goals. If it is getting a little late in the day and I haven't met my goals, I'll clean my bathroom. I leave items I need on the top floor of my house so that I can get them one at a time. I make my dog walk a little longer than she probably wants. I won't go to bed until I meet all of my fitness goals for the day and I refuse to change my goals to make them easier to reach.

As a result, I feel lighter and stronger and motivated to keep using the Activity and Workout apps on my Apple Watch. I look forward to even more apps of this type. I love my Apple Watch!

But if you know anything about my background as an employee benefits professional who helped enroll hundreds of people in health insurance plans, you know I would never suggest that anyone stop paying their health insurance premiums and use the money to buy an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch and other fitness trackers are a great supplement to health insurance, not a replacement of it. But Jebya's jumbled remarks did make me think of something the Apple Watch could replace, and that's a traditional workplace wellness program
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Apple Watch Vs. Traditional Workplace Wellness Programs Continue Reading...
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