Benefits managers recognize that it's not enough to just have digital wellness programs in place, creative promotion is key to ensure these programs are fully utilized and appreciated by employees.
Here are some simple ways to reach your people and remind them that they have access to a comprehensive wellness program
- Email Challenges: Send out weekly wellness challenges via email. Share quick wellness tips, and success stories. Include links to your digital wellness resources and encourage employees to share their progress.
- Wellness Ambassadors: Appoint members of your staff as wellness ambassadors to promote the programs and motivate their peers. This can be as simple as asking them to take pictures of themselves using your resources and posting it to your social media on specific days of the year.
- Integration with Wearables: Educate employees on ways in which they may be able to connect their fitness trackers with your company’s wellness program for tracking and rewards.
More Creative Ways to Promote Digital Wellness Programs
Consider that your promotion plan must prioritize accessibility. QR codes strategically placed around your office space or embedded in internal communications can provide instant access to your digital wellness resources. They're simple to use and can significantly increase engagement by reducing barriers to entry.
Consider hosting virtual lunch and learns. These sessions can introduce employees to available wellness resources and how to make the most of them. These events can cover various topics, from mental health to physical fitness, and provide a platform for employees to ask questions and give feedback.
Should you Gamify your Wellness Program?
For some companies, gamification can be an effective strategy to boost engagement in wellness programs. Before introducing game elements, assess your company culture. Is there an existing culture of wellness? If not, you may need to cultivate this culture by regularly highlighting the importance of wellness and celebrating those who participate in wellness activities before you move into gamification.
When considering gamification for wellness, think about these points:
- Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve through gamification. Is it to increase daily physical activity, promote mental health check-ins, or encourage healthy eating? Your objectives should guide the game design.
- Inclusivity: Ensure the game design is inclusive, catering to a wide range of interests and abilities. Not everyone is motivated by competition; some may prefer collaborative challenges.
- Rewards: Decide on rewards that will motivate your employees. These could range from recognition on internal leaderboards to tangible rewards like extra vacation days or health-related products.
- Feedback Loop: Implement a system to collect feedback on the gamification experience. This will help you make necessary adjustments to keep the program fresh and relevant.
- Sustainability: Plan for the long term. Gamification is not a one-off event; it should be part of an ongoing strategy to maintain and improve employee wellness.
- Technology: Use the right technology to support the gamified elements of your program. This could be a simple mobile app or a more sophisticated platform, depending on your needs and budget.
- Communication: Regularly communicate the program's benefits and how to participate. Use email, social media, or internal networks to keep the conversation going.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a gamified wellness program that not only engages your employees but also contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace. Looking for a strategic approach to benefits that can differentiate your company? Please get in touch to get a conversation started.
