As we settle into 2025, many employers are reflecting on how they can better support the health and wellbeing of their teams this year. We all know that wellness plays a huge role in keeping employees engaged and productive, but the real question is: are these wellness initiatives worth the investment?
A recent study by the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) shares that yes, they are. The study, which examined our own digital wellness programs at Alberta Blue Cross®, used by more than 360,000 plan members, found that these programs not only improve health outcomes, but also deliver real financial benefits for employers.
So, what exactly are digital wellness programs?
Digital wellness programs have become an essential tool for giving employees convenient access to a wide range of resources to support their health and wellbeing.
Some examples of digital wellness programs include things like:
- Online health risk assessments
- Symptom checkers
- Access to online wellness content
- Integration with wearable tracking devices
- Online health coaching
- Digital guides to help manage chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma)
These programs help employees take charge of their health, wherever they are working from. With more people working remotely or in hybrid roles, having these resources available is a game-changer for supporting employee wellness on their own terms.
What did the study find?
The IHE analyzed the impact of our digital wellness programs over a seven-year period. Employees who engaged with the programs saw improvements in areas like:
- Respiratory health (e.g. asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Cardiovascular health (e.g., lowered blood pressure and cholesterol)
- Mental health (e.g. decreased stress levels and improved mood)
- Physical health (e.g. higher activity levels and better sleep)
In fact, 81.5% of participants saw positive changes in at least one area of their health within 30 months of using the program. This shows that digital wellness programs can have a lasting, meaningful impact on employee wellbeing.
The bottom line: cost savings and more productive employees
The study also revealed a 14% reduction in claims volume for employees who engaged with the programs, which translates into significant cost savings for employers. Fewer claims mean lower costs for prescriptions, medical services and disability claims.
By investing in wellness programs, your organization will benefit from more than just cost savings from claim reduction. You’ll also notice your Value-On-Investment increase. Value- On-Investment considers broader benefits of wellness programs, like improved morale, job satisfaction and healthier and more productive employees. When people feel well and are energized by the work they do, they miss fewer workdays and are more engaged on the job. So, investing in wellness not only helps your team stay healthy—it also helps your business thrive.
Boosting participation in 2025
As we enter 2025, now is the perfect time to focus on increasing participation in digital wellness programs. The more employees get involved, the greater the benefits. At Alberta Blue Cross®, we’re continuing to explore what incentives work best to encourage participation and maximize the positive impact of these programs for your team.
We’ve seen in our own organization and our client programs that employees are more likely to engage with digital wellness programs when they’re personalized and take a proactive approach to their needs.
Here are some strategies we’ve found effective so far when it comes to engaging your employees and boosting participation:
- Offer tailored incentives such as gift cards, premium discounts or extra time off to reward participation.
- Provide flexible options by including both virtual and in-person activities to ensure accessibility for all employees.
- Design programs based on employee feedback to align initiatives with what your team values most.
- Encourage leadership involvement to set the tone, with managers and leaders actively engaging in these programs.
- Recognize and celebrate participation through shout-outs, prizes or team celebrations to maintain enthusiasm.
- Communicate regularly with updates and success stories through newsletters or team communication channels to keep employees informed and inspired.
- Integrate wellness programs with existing benefits plans to simplify participation and enhance value for employees.
Improve employee health, cut costs and boost productivity in 2025
If you’re looking to enhance your wellness initiatives this year, now is the time to go for it. Digital wellness programs can improve employee health, reduce health care costs and boost productivity—all of which are great for your bottom line.
By focusing on wellness in 2025, you’ll not only create a healthier, more engaged team, you’ll also set your group benefits plan up for long-term success.
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