Corporate Wellness Insights

Biometric Screenings are for Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 22:44:00 +0000

Imagine you're a 30-something man, heading to the on-site biometric screening your company offers every year. It's not a big deal to you, because let's face it: high cholesterol and high blood pressure are for older people. You're in great shape, so why worry? You'll get your numbers, have a quick chat with the registered dietitian, and be back at your desk before you know it.

Instead, you find yourself at the ER because your blood pressure isn't just high -- it's dangerously high.

This is exactly what happened to one of our screening participants recently. (There's a reason high blood pressure is called "the silent killer.") It's so important to encourage everyone to participate in screenings, even those who think they're healthy. When you design communications materials, be sure they appeal to all ages and fitness levels. A successful wellness program is inclusive, and that starts with screenings!

The Health Risks of Sitting

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 20:39:00 +0000

Juliet Rodman, our co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer, often reminds us that "sitting is the new smoking." All those long hours at our desks without moving can be seriously unhealthy. A recent study found that it may only take a few minutes of movement each hour to reduce those health risks, so get up!

All WCS employees have motorized sit/stand desks that can be adjusted up or down. But even before we had this fancy equipment, people found ways to stand while working. Walking meetings were popular, of course, but I also remember seeing cardboard boxes and reams of copy paper propped under monitors and keyboards. Sometimes you have to get creative!

If you've been sitting for too long and need a break, check out Dr. Frank Lipman's "Desk Dweller's Repair Plan". He recommends several great stretches that can help ease tension and pain.

The History of Exercise, Colorized!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:05:00 +0000

The fitness craze that exists today might feel like a modern development, but the concept of physical fitness goes back centuries. From athletic training sessions, to casual games of football on the lawn, to strict P.E. classes in school, we’ve been exercising in a similar fashion for longer than most of us realize.

We looked back at old-timey, black & white, fitness photos from the Library of Congress and had them colorized to highlight what’s changed and what’s stayed the same!

1. "Exercise tests would give way to broad physical education under the new approach to fitness in our schools" (c. 1962)

2. "Schoolboys exercising, Washington, D.C." (c. 1899)

3. "Female student exercising with a wall-mounted device using ropes and pulleys, Western High School, Washington, D.C." (c. 1899)

4. Female students exercising with bowling pins, Western High School, Washington, D.C. (c.1899)

5. "Daniel Field, Georgia. Air Service Command. A weight-lifting class, part of the voluntary physical program" (c. 1943)

6. "Girls in house gym" (c. 1920)

Health Systems Adopting New Strategies to Deliver Care

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 20:33:00 +0000

Stuart Sutley at Total Health Management has written a great piece (PDF) on how some health systems are beginning to adopt "retail" strategies. It's an interesting take on the future of our health care system, so be sure to check it out!

5 Tips for Packing the Perfect Healthy Lunch for Work

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 19:18:00 +0000

Good nutrition is essential if you want lasting energy, a trimmer waistline, and better overall health, but many people believe that eating healthy is too much work. By the time your daily lunch break rolls around, it can seem easier to hit up the nearest burger joint for a quick and easy meal. However, taking a homemade lunch to work can help you cut calories, get the nutrients that your body needs and even keep your spending habits in check. When it comes to creating a healthy lunch for work, try implementing these tips.

1. Plan Ahead

Grabbing some fast food from the drive thru takes very little planning or preparation, but you can set yourself up for success with your diet if you set aside time to plan for the day or week ahead. There are several things that you can do to prepare healthy lunches for your work days, including the following:

Dedicate one evening for food preparation for the entire week
Double the amount you make for dinner so you have leftovers the next day
Stock up on the basics for grab-and-go options

Dedicating a little extra time each week to your meal planning can simplify the process so that you don't have to scramble to pull things together each morning before work.

2. Keep it Simple

Just because you are eating healthy doesn't mean that you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Wholesome lunches can be simple and still be delicious. Aim to include one source of protein and one or two sources of carbohydrates in your meal and you should be good to go.

3. Add in Variety

Eating the same foods day in and day out can lead to burnout and unhealthy food choices. When you pack a healthy lunch for work, remember to change it up every once in a while. Be adventurous and try new fruits or vegetables to avoid getting stuck in a rut.

4. Partner Up

If your whole office likes to go out for lunch together, find at least one other person who can commit to bringing a healthy lunch from home along with you. This can give you extra motivation and keep you from feeling left out.

5. Stock Your Desk

Don't forget to have the essentials on hand. If you pack a salad but forget to bring a fork, it may prove challenging to eat your lunch. Keep spare utensils, spices, and snacks on hand for a comfortable eating spot.

As you attempt to improve your diet, packing a healthy lunch for work can be the key to your success. Try out some of these tips for better mindful eating in the workplace.

The Best Healthy Eating Hacks From Those Who Know Best

noreply@blogger.com (Laurentiu "Stian" Danu) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:08:00 +0000

Share this infographic on your site!

Treadmill Desk Etiquette 101

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 May 2015 20:13:00 +0000

Recent studies have found that the average American spends up to eight hours a day sitting. In a traditional workplace environment, many employees spend a good portion of their time at desks in front of a computer. In an attempt to combat what is being called "sitting disease," some workers are choosing to utilize desks that allow them to remain active while working at the same time. In many offices, a treadmill desk is the perfect solution, allowing associates to get out of their chairs for improved fitness and workplace wellness.

Those interested in using a treadmill desk may wonder how the devices fit in in a typical work environment. There is etiquette that users should consider in order to make everyone comfortable with a new setup.

Holding Conversations With Coworkers

When approached while walking, there are several options to consider employing, including the following:

· Continue walking while carrying on a quick conversation or answering a question

· Step onto the platforms on either side of the belt for a slightly longer discussion

· Stop the belt completely while remaining standing at the desk

· Stop the belt and step off to give full attention to the coworker

It may make some fellow employees uncomfortable to hold discussions while walking on the treadmill, so it is important to communicate preferences with individual co-workers to avoid issues. In general, the length and topic of a conversation should dictate whether or not it is appropriate to continue walking.

Preventing Excess Sweating

While walking at a treadmill desk, it is natural for body temperatures to rise. As a result, some people may begin to sweat. This can be prevented by using a small fan that produces enough of a breeze to stay cool while walking at a slow pace.

Making a Phone Call While Walking

Holding a phone while on a treadmill can be a challenge. A headset is a better option, as it allows for hands-free talking and walking at the same time. Some experts have found that phone calls are actually more productive when the employee is moving at a slow pace, since users are less likely to stumble over words or fill gaps with unnecessary speaking.

Reducing Treadmill Noise

The installation of a treadmill desk should not impact the productivity of fellow employees. Keeping the machine well-lubricated should keep friction sounds at bay, but it may also be beneficial to mount sound-absorbing foam panels on office walls to prevent noise from bothering other people.

Spending long stretches of time sitting can be bad for overall fitness, but getting out of your chair periodically to stretch, stand, or even walk on a treadmill can be great for both workplace wellness and productivity.

Schedule Your Biometric Screenings Early

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:52:00 +0000

With Memorial Day behind us, you and your employees are probably looking forward to well-deserved summer vacations. The last thing on your mind is the fall -- but at WCS, we're always thinking about fall. It's when most of our clients offer biometric screenings.

Even if you've offered screenings before, it pays to start early. Our Program Managers are experts at guiding clients through the planning process, but there are quite a few details to consider:

Will you offer fasting or non-fasting screenings? Fingerstick or venipuncture?
When and where will the screening be held? Is there space reserved?
How many participants do you expect? Do you know last year's participation?
Do you plan to offer health education with a registered dietitian?
Will off-site options be available for those who can't attend the screening?
Will the data be uploaded to third parties or other wellness vendors?

Whether you're organizing a biometric screening for the first time or the tenth time, don't wait. Start planning today. The key to a smooth implementation is careful preparation -- and a screening partner with extensive experience. If you're still looking for the perfect screening vendor, drop us a line. We happen to know one with more than a decade of experience!

Getting Accurate Results: Fingerstick vs. Venipuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:21:00 +0000

As a biometric screening vendor, we're often asked whether we recommend the fingerstick screening method -- requiring only a few drops of blood from a fingertip -- or the venipuncture method, which involves taking a vial of blood from the arm.

Fingerstick offers several advantages that make it our most popular screening method. First, most people find it less invasive and painful. But perhaps more importantly, results are available immediately. That means we can provide health education at the screening when participants are most receptive.

On the other hand, venipuncture does offer a wide range of screening options. So if you're interested in testing thyroid levels and the like, venipuncture may be your best bet.

One consideration that does not need to be part of your decision-making is accuracy. The Cholestech LDX, our fingerstick testing equipment of choice, is used by doctors and hospitals every day. But don't just take my word for it. In clinical tests (PDF), the LDX provided results that were in close agreement with a commercial laboratory.

It's important to work with a vendor who understands both fingerstick and venipuncture, and we're happy to offer both options for our clients. But if you're concerned about accuracy, rest assured that both methods are equally reliable.

Financial Wellness On the Rise

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:57:00 +0000

Some years ago, we designed a wellness program for a small regional bank: biometric screenings, health coaching, wellness challenges, an online portal -- all the elements you'd expect to find in a wellness program. Then one day our client contact asked an unusual question: "Do you offer financial wellness?"

The concept was new to us, so we asked him to explain. "Don't you agree that financial health can have an impact on physical health?" he asked. "After all, if you have trouble managing money, you're probably stressed. And that could lead to other health problems and reduced productivity at work."

As it turns out, our client contact was ahead of his time. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that a number of companies have begun offering classes on retirement planning and mortgages alongside seminars on healthy eating and exercise. It's part of their overall wellness strategy.

Today's workers have to manage their professional finances (retirement plans, health insurance), along with mortgages, college savings, debt management, and much more. It's a source of real stress. If you agree that wellness means achieving balance in the areas of physical, emotional, and environmental health, then financial wellness simply makes good business sense.

New Surgeon General Seeks to Promote Wellness and Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 06 May 2015 18:07:00 +0000

We're happy to report that Vivek Murthy has finally been confirmed as Surgeon General of the United States. His confirmation was delayed by politics, but his qualifications are exemplary and we're glad he's now at his post.

In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Murthy emphasized the importance of promoting wellness and prevention in the workplace. "[M]ake activity a greater part of the work day," he said. "That includes shifting meetings, whenever possible, to walking meetings. That involves encouraging folks to take the stairs whenever possible, and leading by example, from the very top of the organization down."

As a practicing physician, Murthy treated many patients who suffered from preventable conditions. He's now a strong advocate of prevention. "[Many doctors] realize that if we had a system that could care for people better, that was actually more focused on prevention than our current system, that we may be able to prevent a lot of the illness, the suffering, and the health care costs that we see in our current world," he said.

As Surgeon General, Murthy sees himself as "an educator, as a convener, and as a catalyst." Let's hope he brings his strong commitment to wellness and prevention straight to Congress!

EEOC Issues Preliminary Ruling on Wellness Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:16:00 +0000

We've blogged since last year about several lawsuits that have led the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to clarify the rules governing wellness programs. By now, most of us are now familiar with the HIPAA-based rules that came into effect at the beginning of last year, but the situation is still evolving.

As the Wall Street Journal explained last week, current rules cap penalties for outcomes-based programs at 30% (or 50% for tobacco use). The EEOC proposes applying the same limits to participation-based wellness programs. Comments from the public are being accepted until June 19, after which a final ruling will be made.

Although we're monitoring the situation very carefully, I'm hopeful that the EEOC's final decision will add clarity. After all, no one wants to run afoul of the law. The more guidance the relevant agencies can provide, the better for everyone -- employers and wellness providers alike.

3 Tips for Successful Off-Site Biometric Screenings

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 23:16:00 +0000

Today I've asked Aaron Yost, a Data Manager in our Health Informatics department, to offer a few tips for setting up a voucher program. Although on-site screenings are best for a number of reasons, they're not always feasible for every employee. Aaron offers three tips for making off-site screenings a success.

1. Allow enough time.

Employees who receive a screening in the workplace generally need to travel no more than a couple flights of stairs. The screening comes to them. But participants using off-site vouchers must first locate the nearest screening venue, then make accommodations to be screened during business hours or on their own time. When setting deadlines, be generous. There isn't a universal rule as each client population is unique, but a week may not be quite long enough. A month is usually more reasonable.

2. Consider all the options.

WCS offers several off-site screening options for participants, starting with physician forms. Employees simply ask their physicians to complete a simple form with their biometric data and fax it to WCS for processing. WCS also works with several nationwide lab partners that offer voucher programs for our clients. If possible, give employees more than one path to a screening.

3. Make off-site options a priority.

All employees, whether remote or based in a regional office, equally deserve a chance to know their numbers. Office-based employees sometimes think of vouchers as a backup -- an alternative in case they can't make the on-site screening. But for remote employees, a voucher may be the only chance they have to be screened. Accommodating all employees, regardless of geographic location, shows that you care about the well-being of the entire company.

Stress Awareness Month and the Importance of Biometric Screenings

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:02:00 +0000

We talk a lot about employee engagement on this blog, and for good reason. It's in every employer's best interest to keep employees happy and healthy.

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and effective stress-management is key to maintaining a happy and productive workforce. But it's also a serious health concern. Stress can lead to overeating, excessive drinking, and smoking -- unhealthy habits that can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Over time, stress can also damage the heart and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular problems.

Helping employees learn relaxation techniques can be a great first step to managing short-term stress, but don't stop there. Encourage your employees to participate in a biometric screening so they can understand their risks and take charge of their health.

We all know that elevated biometric values negatively impact productivity, absenteeism, and other health-related costs. Offering biometric screenings not only gives you a fuller picture of your employees' health -- it helps you to take actionable steps toward improving your company's culture of wellness.

Corporate Wellness Impacts Employee Recruitment and Retention

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 20:28:00 +0000

When we talk about the many benefits of wellness programs, it's important to remember recruitment and retention. For many successful companies, an effective employee wellness program is part of a larger strategy to find and retain top talent.

We created a free infographic to illustrate the positive impact of wellness on employee recruitment and retention. Here are a few highlights:

51 percent of program participants feel wellness benefits encourage them to work harder and perform better.
59 percent say they have more energy to be productive at work as a result of their participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs.
Organizations with highly-effective wellness programs report significantly lower voluntary attrition.

Click here or on the thumbnail below to download a full-sized PDF version. Feel free to share!

Aetna CEO Brings Employees Yoga, Meditation...and Higher Pay

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:00:00 +0000

If I asked you to name a company known for innovation and experimentation, what would you say? Apple? Google? Uber? Aetna?

That's not a typo -- I said Aetna.

The New York Times recently published a fascinating piece on Aetna's CEO and his commitment to wellness. The company's free yoga classes are consistently booked (more than 50,000 people have participated so far), and employees are reporting lower stress levels, better sleep quality, and increased productivity. Verifiable biometric markers of stress, such as heart rate variability and cortisol levels, have also decreased.

Mr. Bertolini also gave the company's lowest-paid employees a 33% raise last month.

As the article explains, Bertolini's belief in the power of wellness (specifically yoga and meditation) comes from a terrible injury he sustained while skiing. It left him in constant pain, and he says mindfulness training and yoga helped him cope. He convinced Aetna's Chief Medical Officer to offer yoga classes to employees and chart the results. Their efforts culminated in a study published by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology in 2012.

Aetna's story is a powerful example of something we've said for years: wellness simply makes good business sense. It also shows the profound impact a single committed executive can make on employees' lives. Let's hope other corporate leaders take note and follow Aetna's lead.

Millennials and Employee Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:14:00 +0000

I feel sorry for "millennials" (those born from the early 1980s to around 2000). They're called every name in the book: lazy, narcissistic, apathetic, unemployable. But as the employer of more than my fair share of millennials, I'm happy to dispel this myth. Young people are some of our smartest, most dedicated employees.

A recent Aon Hewitt survey found that millennials share a particular set of attitudes about health. Many exercise and care about eating well, but they aren't necessarily attracted to traditional health management programs. They value healthy workplaces and are enthusiastic about wellness, but on their own terms.

As Dee Edington and others have said, keeping healthy people healthy is just as important as addressing those at risk. Wellness providers must work to engage participants of all ages. But employers should also take note: Young people are attracted to workplaces that support their health. If you want to recruit the best and the brightest, then nurturing a culture of health should be a top priority.

Now if you'll excuse me, my highest-performing employees are doing headstands and I'd like to watch.

The Benefits of a Lunch-Hour Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:58:00 +0000

A few years ago, when WCS was much smaller, our office was located near a residential neighborhood whose streets were perfect for a quick stroll. Our employees would often walk around the block to take a break, discuss work, or just get away from their desks. It was a great way to relieve stress and recharge.

A recent study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, found that walks improve mood and relieve stress almost immediately. "To combat afternoon slumps in enthusiasm and focus," the Times article says, "take a walk during the lunch hour."

The study's findings are positive but not particularly surprising. What did surprise me, though, was the comments section:

"Lunch hour? What is this concept?"
"Nobody has an hour for lunch any more, and in some fields, the lunch 'hour' is unpaid. Most people I know eat at their desks."
"A lunch hour would be nice. A lunch half hour would be nice."

It's a shame that some employers don't give their employees a chance to eat in peace, let alone take a break for a walk. But it's also extremely shortsighted. Your employees may sit at their desks all day, but are they truly productive? Are they really engaged? This is why we talk so much about nurturing a culture of health. Biometric screenings and health coaching are extremely powerful tools, but they must be part of a strategic plan to promote wellness in everything you do.

If your wellness program isn't fostering a culture of health, maybe it's time to reevaluate your strategy. And above all, make sure you're working with a wellness vendor who takes the long view.

Workplace Wellness Challenge Instructographic

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 22:52:00 +0000

Workplace wellness challenges are a great way to encourage employees to adopt healthier behaviors, both in the office and on their own time. Although many companies work with a wellness vendor to implement and manage health challenges, we've created a useful instructographic to help you run a simple, informal challenge on your own! (Click on the thumbnail below to view the full-size version).

If you like these suggestions, share with your colleagues and friends!

Place the above infographic on your site with the code below!

Outcomes-Based Wellness Programs and the Affordable Care Act

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:34:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that almost five years have passed since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. The law was a game-changer for wellness because it allowed employers to base incentives on actual health outcomes, not just participation. Now, five years later, outcomes-based wellness programs are commonplace.

From the very beginning, regulatory agencies struggled to set up clear rules governing outcomes-based incentives. We blogged about the first attempt back in 2013, and even authored a free guide to help employers understand the new rules (still available for download as a PDF).

The regulatory process is still ongoing. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sued several large companies, citing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). And as recently as last week, Senator Pat Murray of Washington promised that clearer rules from the EEOC are coming soon.

It's so important to work with a wellness partner who stays current. Even large, well-heeled corporations have found themselves in hot water, so make sure your vendor is on top of the latest regulations. You really can't afford to go it alone!

Personalized Wellness is Gaining Steam

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:22:00 +0000

I've blogged often about the importance of flexibility in wellness. No employer wants cookie-cutter solutions, yet many wellness vendors continue to offer the same tired programming to every client. (Customization? Forget it! What you see is what you get.)

A recent article in Fast Company takes aim at one-size-fits all wellness initiatives, arguing that the future of wellness is in adapting to the individual participant. I couldn't agree more.

Imagine you're working with a nationwide hotel chain. Most employees don't have traditional desk jobs -- they work in housekeeping, or engineering, or in the hotel restaurant. How do you reach them?

WCS solved this problem by developing a unique strategy to select and train employee wellness champions. Because champions are employees themselves, they act as our "boots on the ground," educating fellow coworkers about the program and boosting engagement.

Imagine you're working with a construction company. The wellness program is moving from participation-based to outcomes-based, and biometric screenings are being introduced for the first time. How do you ease the transition?

Our fantastic health educators became the face of the program, present at every screening to guide at-risk participants toward telephonic health coaching and other resources. They helped employees understand the requirements of the program, as well as the many ways WCS would be there to help them reach their goals.

I welcome the trend toward more tailored, personalized wellness programming. Because let's face it: "one-size-fits-all" ends up fitting no one.

Health Coaching Successes

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:28:00 +0000

I've always believed that health coaching is one of the most powerful tools we have as wellness professionals. There's nothing like working one-on-one with a true expert.

We recently surveyed a large group of health coaching participants, and the results were amazing. More than 97% felt health coaching was beneficial to them, and similar numbers said their coaches had helped them set and achieve meaningful health goals.

Whenever we survey our wellness participants, I always play close attention to the written comments. You'll often find insights like this:

"I was resistant to the coaching session to begin with, but [my coach] was able to focus on my issues and provide very useful advice. I was really pleased and impressed with how well she not only handled my resistance, but gave me a few good things to think on."

Such an excellent point. Employees are sometimes hesitant to speak openly about their health, and it's our job to meet people where they are -- even if they're not yet ready to make changes. Over time, health coaches form a trusting relationship with the participant and help them move forward at their pace.

I have to thank Juliet Rodman, our co-founder and a registered dietitian herself, for our success in this area. WCS now has more than 1,200 trained and certified health coaches in our network nationwide, almost all of whom are registered dietitians. RDs possess a perfect blend of clinical expertise and real-world coaching experience, and that's what makes them so effective.

Way to go, Juliet and all our fabulous coaches!

Wellness for Wellness' Sake: A Response to Skeptics

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 11:00:00 +0000

Unflattering articles. Negative comments. Withering criticism. If you've been online at all recently, you've probably seen the work of a few (very) vocal wellness detractors. They may be a microscopic minority, but they make up for it in volume and shrillness.

I've avoided responding directly to these attacks because, quite frankly, we have more important work to do. We're focused on our clients -- all of whom are dedicated to helping their employees live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.

Apparently that's controversial.

Dr. Gordon Norman, Chief Medical Officer at xG Health Solutions, posted a thoughtful essay on LinkedIn that I hope you'll read in its entirety. I'd like to highlight a few crucial points:

Most employers do not expect instant cost savings. They know that building a culture of health takes time, but they also appreciate the positive impact that wellness can have on productivity and morale in the short term.
Asking "Does wellness work?" misses the point. Each population (and wellness program) is unique. Therefore, we must ask what "success" means for this population, with its particular culture and needs.
A focus on ROI is shortsighted. We know intuitively that improving employee health and well-being makes good business sense, even if some benefits are difficult to measure in dollars and cents.

Kudos to Dr. Norman for saying what many of us have been thinking for a long time. Now back to the work that really matters!

Worldwide Wellness Survey Shows Commitment to Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:00 +0000

Employee wellness has come a long way since WCS opened its doors in 2004.

Over the past decade, we've watched the wellness movement grow from infancy (health fairs and lunch-and-learn seminars) to adolescence (biometric screenings and online portals) to adulthood (branded, highly-incentivized outcomes-based programs). It's been quite a journey.

Buck Consultants at Xerox recently released an annual survey of employers that shows the evolution of wellness. When the survey began, in 2007, most wellness programs focused on simple health promotion. Today, most companies are taking a much more data-driven, holistic approach.

The good news is that investments in wellness continue to accelerate. Of the 1,000+ employers worldwide who were surveyed:

43% have branded their wellness initiatives
52% use health insurance premium reductions as an incentive
65% believe wellness programs are extremely or very important to attract and retain workers

To me, one of the most interesting and encouraging shifts is an increased reliance on data to drive wellness programming. Fifty-two percent of the companies surveyed now measure outcomes. As we've blogged previously, WCS continues to develop innovative technology solutions that help our clients make the most of their wellness data.

Much more is coming, so stay tuned!

WELLConnect: Instant Access to Screening Data

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew Benton) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 17:07:00 +0000

When we announced the launch of WELLConnect, we listed its many features: tablet technology, pre-populated digital forms, sophisticated appointment scheduling, and more. But the heart of WELLConnect is real-time access to screening data.

Over the past decade, we've seen firsthand how important data has become to a wellness program. It impacts everything from health assessments to incentives. That's why we developed WELLConnect. Our clients needed instant access to their data and we delivered.

The behind-the-scenes technology is complex, but using it is simple. We offer two options for accessing real-time data:

Download data files as often as needed from a secure site, even during screening events
User our application programming interface (API) to automate the process, pushing data directly to your system

Next week, we'll continue our webinar series on WELLConnect by discussing our Data Dashboard, a dynamic site that will give our partners and clients self-service access to critical metrics and reporting.

Space is limited, so register today!