Corporate health and wellness coaching: Boost employee well-being and save on healthcare costs

Discover why integrating coaching programs into the workplace matters

Studies suggest that enhancing healthcare involves viewing patient care as a continuous process, both within and beyond medical settings. It takes into account individuals’ abilities and workload while also incorporating their personal preferences into health care plans and strategies.[1]

In this scenario, corporate health and wellness programs stand out, as they encompass many areas, from physical well-being to mental health and beyond. Keep reading to discover how, by investing in health and wellness coaching for your company, you can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, create a positive workplace culture, and more.

Learn more:
Improving employee health: Four actions to take today

What is corporate health and wellness coaching?

Corporate health and wellness coaching is a patient-centered service designed to enhance the overall well-being of employees within an organization. It is a collaborative process where employees actively participate in setting their own health goals. It involves addressing key areas such as physical health, mental well-being, nutrition, fitness, and work-life balance.[2]

It not only helps individuals lead healthier lives but also benefits the organization by cultivating a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce. Employees work towards these goals while monitoring their progress with ongoing support from a coach, who is responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Informing the staff about the company’s wellness programs: Educating employees about the available wellness resources and programs, ensuring they understand how to access and benefit from these offerings.
• Assisting employees in setting and achieving health goals: Working with employees to establish realistic health goals, such as improving fitness levels, adopting healthier eating habits, or managing stress more effectively, and providing guidance to help them reach these goals.
• Teaching effective strategies for making lifestyle changes: Offering practical advice and tools to help employees make sustainable lifestyle changes. This could include techniques for integrating exercise into daily routines, managing time more efficiently, and more.

The coach is a healthcare professional skilled in motivational strategies, communication techniques, and more, who helps patients make lasting health changes using proven methods like motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and active listening.

The benefits of corporate health and wellness coaching

Implementing health and wellness coaching in a corporate setting can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a more engaged workforce.

Employees benefit from personalized guidance that helps them achieve better physical and mental health, improved nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle – a holistic approach that enhances individual well-being and fosters a positive workplace culture, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

Related resource
Top five benefits of working with a nurse health coach

Benefits for companies

• Increased productivity: Healthier employees tend to be more focused, energized, and motivated, leading to higher productivity and better overall performance in the workplace.
• Reduced healthcare costs and fewer days off work: Companies can lower healthcare expenses by promoting preventive care and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Health coaching also helps reduce the number of days employees need to take off for medical appointments or procedures, keeping them at work and contributing to the business.
• Enhanced employee retention and attraction: Offering wellness programs makes a company more attractive to potential employees and helps retain current staff by showing a commitment to their well-being.

A study from the National Library of Medicine examined 6,940 health coaching participants. Of these, 1,161 participated for at least four weeks and had at least six months of claims data both before and after their participation. While the likelihood of using emergency room services and the associated costs did not change, there was a significant decrease in the probability of incurring inpatient expenses, as well as outpatient and overall healthcare costs, among the participants compared to the control group. The estimated savings per person per month were $286 for outpatient costs and $412 for total costs.[3]

Related resource:
How employers can reduce healthcare costs through wellness programs

Benefits for employees

• Improved physical health: Effective weight management, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and higher fitness levels.
• Work-life balance: A better balance between work and personal life, which contributes to increased well-being and reduced stress.
• Personalized approaches tailored to each employee: Support that aligns with each employee’s unique health goals, lifestyle, and challenges, providing relevant and effective guidance.

How WeCare tlc can help

WeCare tlc designs and implements targeted wellness programs for businesses and continually monitors their progress to ensure they effectively address the health needs of employees. By focusing on personalized care and continuous support, WeCare tlc’s Nurse Coaching Program at our onsite and near-site clinics now plays a vital role in helping employees manage their weight, health habits, and overall wellness. Through initiatives like the 10-week weight loss challenge, participants are equipped with the tools and encouragement they need to make lasting changes.

Ready to empower your workforce through corporate health and wellness coaching?
Contact us today or explore our case studies to learn more.

Sources
1: National Library of Medicine | Health and wellness coaching in serving the needs of today’s patients: A primer for healthcare professional
2: Harvard Health Publishing | Health coaching is effective. Should you try it?
3: National Library of Medicine | How effective is health coaching in reducing health services expenditures?