A healthy workforce is built on personal connections, not just technological solutions.

A healthy workforce is built on personal connections, not just technological solutions.

As the number of workplace health and wellness programs grows, overwhelmed employees want assistance connecting the dots.

The financial burden of healthcare is reaching a critical point. The average employer's healthcare spending is projected to rise by 8.5% this year, well above inflation. This doesn't even include the costs of health-related absenteeism and lost productivity, which are estimated to exceed $575 billion annually.

Despite the best intentions, businesses have poured significant resources into health benefits and wellness tools, such as mindfulness apps, health coaches, and ready-to-use chronic condition programs. These are all designed to help employees manage common (and costly) health concerns. However, the reality is stark: nearly half of U.S. employees struggle to comprehend their health benefits, and only two-thirds feel confident in their use. This is a clear indication that the current approach is overwhelming for employees.

Unfortunately, despite having all of the resources at their disposal, America's workforce is not becoming any healthier, and businesses are finding it more difficult than ever to engage employees in health and wellness—particularly those battling the most with their physical and mental health. Organizations have high-tech (analyzing health claims) and low-tech methods (flyers in the break room) for identifying and nurturing at-risk individuals. Still, too many sick people continue to fall between the cracks.

Amid all the obstacles, here's something to think about Perhaps the most successful approach to linking employees with the support they require is as essential as asking them how they are and whether they need assistance.

How is your health?

That was the primary conclusion from a national pilot program that included many significant national businesses from various industries. These companies did something that the average working-age individual performs between 26 and 68 times daily: they sent text messages. And those data are from a decade ago—the number must be substantially greater now.

Using the Healthy Days survey design, they texted their employees and asked them to identify the days in the previous month when their physical and mental health was poor and interfered with their home or work lives. Unlike other workplace engagement and wellness surveys, the messages were private, straightforward, and quick, providing an opportunity for self-reflection.

One-third of the employees who responded to the text reported 15 or more unwell days each month—a significant threshold that indicates future health issues and healthcare use (i.e., expenses). The fact that so many employees fell into this high-risk category was troubling, but what happened next was far more significant: when asked if they wanted a healthcare practitioner to call them within the next 48 hours, 40% replied yes.

Even more hopeful, most employees communicating with a physician had previously disconnected from the healthcare system. For example, over half lacked a primary care physician, and the vast majority—including those who reported substantial mental health issues in the survey—did not consult a therapist or psychiatrist. They were not feeling well and felt they had to take action. They didn't know where to start.

Connection matters.

Importantly, the physicians who made the follow-up calls assisted employees with more than just healthcare. In addition to providing clinical services such as virtual primary care and online therapy, the clinicians directed employees to employee assistance programs, childcare benefits, and other crucial wrap-around support.

Their business had already paid for all of these benefits; the employees just did not use them, and most were unaware of them.

When employees finally accessed their benefits, the results were remarkable. Those who followed up and received clinical care after the call reported an average of two more healthy days the next time they completed the survey. This tangible improvement in their health underscores the potential of these benefits when utilized effectively.

These employees can access the necessary apps and benefits to improve their health. However, they needed someone to reach out to, listen to their needs and concerns, and guide them through their benefits and next steps. As life becomes more complex, it's important to remember that a little aid and connection may go a long way.

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Well-being