After monitoring two employees at Wholesale Club, the first group used health programs in the workplace, and the second group did not use them. Researchers found a slight improvement in the health metrics of participants in health programs.
A previous study by the University of Illinois reached similar conclusions; such programs did not impact employee health, productivity, or medical spending. So if health programs do not make employees healthier, should companies continue to invest in these initiatives?
The short answer is yes. As health programs offer things beyond clear medical treatments and earning financial incentives, your commitment to keep employees healthy can make a difference in recruiting and retaining the best talent. Also, with record low unemployment rates and a thriving “The United States of America” economy, hiring has become highly competitive, if not very difficult.
More than half of employers refer to the creation of qualified and suitable talent as the most difficult challenge in hiring; candidates now have more choices in choosing their workplace because there are more job opportunities than the number of unemployed people to fill.
This has led to a war on talent and to high turnover of the workforce as well. It is easy for employees to explore new career opportunities in the most attractive companies. When many employers compete for talent, the company with the most attractive, unique, and exciting culture wins; this is where health programs come in.
But for distinction, you must offer something beyond traditional health insurance and sick leave; this is why it is normal for today's employers to offer health programs that include on-site fitness classes and annual vital health support checks for employees.
Using health programs as a brand strategy
Whether you offer a full health program or a few unique health perks, these efforts bring a new value-added element to your culture, attracting applicants and regular employees.
Mercer's research shows that commitment to health and wellness is ranked among the top three factors that employees and employer candidates are looking for. However, more than the mere existence of health programs embedded in your company's culture is needed to make progress on your competitors. You will need to integrate them into the employer brand strategy.
The concept of an employer brand has been introduced previously. However, if you need to become more familiar with the term, it describes the identity of your company that you transmit to employees and future candidates for positions in your company, and it includes details about your mission, core values, and culture. In other words, it emphasizes what makes your company a great place to work. When employees and candidates realize that you are committed to their physical, mental, and even financial health, it increases the value of the employer's brand.
You're offering your current employees another reason to stay with you and at the same time, helping to achieve your recruitment goals. So remember that 89% of employees in companies offering health programs are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work, according to the American Psychological Association.
This is an important statistic because satisfied employees who are willing to say great things about your company are your strongest hiring tools, but don't just rely on your current employees to recommend your company; publish your health programs in your employment marketing ads; this in turn means promoting your initiatives on your website, in job descriptions, on your social media channels, internal documents and other warranties that support the employer's brand strategy.
Other benefits of health programs
Aside from whether health programs improve the health of your employees, there is much greater value at stake. At a time when recruiting and retaining employees is more difficult than ever, you need to use the best and most distinctive recruitment marketing techniques.
This means making the health of your employees an integral part of your company culture, and therefore the employer brand. If you can increase productivity and reduce healthcare costs in the process, this gives your company more power.
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