Article: What makes wellness programs successful?

A Brand Reachout InitiativeCorporate Wellness Programs

What makes wellness programs successful?

As the People Matters and MediBuddy's wellness recognition initiative gains momentum, we look at some of the factors that make wellness programs successful and qualify companies as true "Buddies of Wellness"
What makes wellness programs successful?

The rise in wellness programs has been pivotal in enabling companies to provide holistic healthcare. Companies saw the sudden push toward digital platforms, and growing isolation and fear of the pandemic created a need for more than just physical. So while companies leverage digital healthcare tools to expand their services and provide real-time consultations, many also expanded the purview of their wellness programs to include aspects of social and emotional well-being.  While there are different combinations of lead and lag indicators that tell the story of how a renewed focus on wellness is translating into business impact, some factors remain key in the world of work today. 

Engagement through wellness

Even employees today demand a better focus on well-being. The Microsoft Work Trend Index research shows that 67% of employees in India prioritise health and well-being over work. These aren't empty words – a staggering 41% of Indian employees (versus 18% global average) say they left their jobs during the past year. And the Great Reshuffle isn't over yet: 70% of Gen Z and Millennials in India are likely to consider changing employers in the year ahead, compared to the global average of 52%.  

Thus not only do companies require robust wellness programs that aim to address their employee health and well-being concerns, but it's also crucial in retaining key talent. It was of little surprise then that driving employee engagement featured as the primary goal for 78% of companies across India in People Matters and MediBuddy Wellness 360 research study.

Digital tools and impact

Technology, too, has proved to be a great enabler in improving employee well-being. Companies today use a range of digital healthcare services to ensure wellness programs are impactful. From real-time consultations to OPD bookings and ensuring mental and emotional well-being solutions are readily available, digital solutions have been beneficial in extending the reach and efficacy of wellness programs. Their successful integration into how the company operates has proved vital in building a robust wellness culture in the company operating in a hybrid world of work today. 

Digital healthcare tools have expanded the reach, broadened the scope of wellness programs and helped revolutionise the employee's experience while availing healthcare services. Such healthcare tools proved vital during mass vaccination within companies and have since become the cornerstone of corporate wellness. 

The correct use of digital tools can help companies address many gaps in their wellness program. From creating a better employee experience to impacting talent retention, digital tools are key for business impact. 

Innovative designs for scalability

Innovative designs are necessary to facilitate the accessibility of wellness programs. One way to innovate wellness programs is by personalising well-being solutions. While the ambit of wellness programs has increased, personalisation helps companies provide fine-tuned solutions to their employees. It also helps ensure that companies respond to current employee demands rather than following a template that might prove counter-beneficial and lead to more costs and, in turn, a lower ROI. 

Personalisation and focus on how wellness programs are designed can significantly improve accessibility in a hybrid world of work. While employees today work from both the office and remotely, making sure wellness programs are designed to be inclusive and cater to their specific needs is necessary for impact. Innovative practices and design also ensure wellness programs are scalable. In a hybrid world of work, being able to scale wellness initiatives is a core feature of an impactful wellness program.

Innovation in design, reach, and the overall impact will be a few parameters considered for the People Matters and MediBuddy wellness recognition initiative: Wellness Programs of 2022. As the Buddies of Wellness recognition program gains momentum, ensure to best reflect these points when nominating your company for the Wellness Programs of 2022. 

Fill out the nomination form and stand a chance for your efforts to improve employee wellness to be recognized across the country. 

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Topics: Corporate Wellness Programs, Strategic HR, #Wellness First With MediBuddy

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