Providing support for employees is the foundation of a healthy and successful work environment. But when it comes to wellness programs, employers aren’t always on a level playing field. Even the best training and assistance programs can be challenged when dealing with a diverse workforce that works erratic hours, is primarily in the field or is constantly on call.
The stresses of work are only exacerbated under these circumstances, since employees don’t have easy access to on-site wellness programs and services. In these cases, online wellness libraries offer an excellent alternative.
Numerous employers are implementing these libraries to offer convenient wellness videos and training sessions on topics such as physical and mental health, professional development and communication, personal growth and relationships, children’s health, parenting and eldercare. These videos can be accessed when and where employees and their family members need them—whether it’s pediatric advice when their child is sick at 2 a.m. or communication skills training when they’re preparing for an upcoming presentation.
Organizations can also easily tailor a library to address emerging needs. For example, there has been an increased focus on mental health in recent years, and benefits programs are now being expanded to support people dealing with mental illness.
The power of portable technology
The proliferation of mobile devices has made it easier for employees to access wellness programs 24/7. For employers, the Web and mobile technology allows widespread delivery of wellness initiatives without the need to bring people in for lengthy and costly on-site training.
Managing diverse workforce needs
While beneficial for any health and wellness program, online support has proven to be especially effective for organizations dealing with a geographically dispersed and/or mobile workforce. The Regional Municipality of York, for example, began its on-demand library in January 2011. According to Brittany Dunlop, corporate wellness specialist for York Region, the intent was to address a large number of employees with diverse needs.
York Region’s employee base is dispersed throughout 52 locations, with a large number of shift workers. Under the circumstances, Dunlop says, “The lunch and learn format wouldn’t work.”
Instead, the on-demand library allows employees to view content any time and at their convenience.
“Our employees can access short videos that accommodate fast-paced lifestyles, and share that information with family and friends,” she says. The most popular topics in the library include primers on sleep, fitness strategies for busy people and stress management.
Direct Energy is another example. Gloria Phibbs, corporate manager of health, safety, wellness and environment for Direct Energy, explains that her company has many employees working in the field.
“Having videos available 24/7 online is a big benefit. The employees can take as much or as little material as they want. This delivers the ultimate flexibility.”
She reports that numbers are growing as more employees use the service to help manage their lives.
“We have locations across North America and remote audiences as well,” she says. “Everyone can access this for a minimal cost.”
Planning your online library
In order to develop the most effective library for employee use, benefits managers should consider a number of factors, such as budget, employee interest and cultural needs. Videos can—and should be—refreshed regularly, based on metrics (e.g., number of viewings) to ensure you are staying current with employee needs.
Encouraging uptake is as important as stocking the library. To that end, it is helpful for employers to regularly communicate about the program, whether through newsletters, email notifications, watch-and-win events or themed outreach efforts (e.g., reminding employees of relevant links during Mental Health Awareness month).
Also, when selecting content, be sure to use a holistic approach based on current trends and data. Collect information on drug costs, long-term disability trends and employee assistance reports to get a sense of the issues employees are facing.
According to Phibbs, the need for wellness support is integral to a successful workplace.
“We are really growing our wellness program because we want to make it as easy as possible for our employees to live happy, healthy lives. This in turn helps us manage our benefits program and achieve our specific goals and objectives.”
Aimee Israel is CEO of LifeSpeak Inc.