Even the most robust wellness programs are not likely to change employee behavior unless employees are engaged in the process. That’s why savvy companies make engagement a top priority when it comes to educating their employees about wellness.
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Take Humana Inc., which offers a data-driven wellness and rewards program to its employees and clients. In a multiyear study of Humana employees, the company found that those engaged with HumanaVitality had an average of 6 fewer hours of unscheduled absences compared to those who were not engaged, as well as lower health claims costs.
Specifically, health claims costs dropped 6% in the first year of the study and 10% by the third year for engaged members, compared to a 17% increase among unengaged members by the third year.
In addition, engaged members who did not have chronic health conditions were more likely to use health care for preventive care, such as for routine checkups and screenings. Meanwhile, employees who were not engaged in the program had 56% more emergency room visits and 37% more hospital visits compared to those who were engaged.