It’s an absolute no-brainer that greater patient involvement inhealth care decisions breeds greater awareness and understanding ofwellbeing implications.

But recent trends in health care consumerism have given anadditional boost to the visibility of worksite wellness--in particular, theexchange environment through which employers (and employees) choosetheir benefits is becoming increasingly customizable andrelevant.

The sheer notion of employees becoming truer consumers in themarketplace is a sign of remarkable progress--empowering them toshop for the benefits and activities that work best for them,rather than being presented with a limited set of “options” and oneextremely limited decision: opt in or opt out.

With advanced health care consumerism and the real options itprovides, employees are increasingly evading the status quo andbecoming more invested in their overall health.

In the past, people typically waited until something went wrongand then looked to their insurance carrier to see if it wascovered.

These days, people are taking greater ownership in the initialdecision-making process and, as a result, becoming more aware ofeverything their health care plans have to offer, often includingwellness programming, nutritional-support plans, and otherproactive health-improvement resources.

When given the option to create their own paths, people are morelikely to follow the steps to improved health.

Providing the appropriate array of resources is a must forwellness programs to rise above the rest--gently guiding employeesdown these optimized personal paths.

Health care consumerism has allowed wellness to become anattractive option to employees who want to see noticeableimprovement in their health (and health spending). Expandingthe amount (and quality) of resources available promotescustomization, financial freedom, and emotionalempowerment.

People are more likely to be emotionally invested in plans theycreated for themselves. Exchanges are designed to offerdiverse programs that meet specific needs of consumers, andworksite wellness resources encourage and enable them to make smallchanges to their regular routines--with consistent engagement asthe key to health-habit improvement.

Health care consumerism and employee wellness appear to gohand-in-hand on many levels…

Wellness offers complete customizability

Like the exchanges, corporate wellness plans have becomeincreasingly customizable.

In many instances, clients can now skip the cookie-cutterstandard and choose exactly what they want--creating their owncustom challenges, incentive programs, and personal health goalsfor employees, among countless other resources and activities.

Employers are now like customers in a retail store, shopping forwhat fits their company the best. And, as a consumer, whatwould you rather buy--off the rack, or custom-tailored? Health care consumerism breeds engaging activities that are morerelevant and, therefore, more sustainable.

A higher level of participation coincides with a higher level ofproduction from happier, healthier employees.

Companies are beginning to realize that providing a customizablewellness plan will open up the floodgates of engagement andhealth-habit improvement--leading to more connected colleagues andelevated efficiency in the workplace.

Financial freedom

Having custom wellness plans in place also gives employees asense of financial freedom.

Wellness participants often save boatloads of money when they’reengaged in wellness programs they enjoy and that actually improvetheir health--with improved health habits resulting in fewer sickdays and fewer health-related insurance expenses, and often thepossibility of earning wellness discounts by playingalong.

Reducing the regularity of sick days also helps companies savemoney, allowing more financial flexibility to increase budgets inareas of need.

And, as attendance increases, so does focus and production inthe workplace--employee efficiency is an obvious byproduct ofhealthcare consumerism and successful workplace wellnessefforts.

Saving money is much easier when consumers have access to plansthat address their particular needs, allowing them to take aproactive, preventive approach to their health.

Emotional empowerment

When it comes to choosing the ideal wellness program for yourcompany, feeling like you have a voice is essential.

If employees are presented with a list of wellness options andgiven the power to choose exactly what they want (rather than beinga “forced recipient” of a plan), engagement is far more likely tosoar--nobody responds well to being pushed around or told what todo.

Making our own decisions gives us self-satisfaction, boostingour morale and allowing us to be more productive in all aspects oflife.

For instance, employees participating in wellness programs aremore likely to perform better at work and encourage theircolleagues. They might also feel inspired to improverelationships at home and eat healthier meals with their families.

Self-efficacy in health leads to self-efficacy in life--successbegets success. Everyone loves to be empowered, so having theability to proactively shop through wellness options is the bestway to keep your employees happy (and healthy).

Perfecting wellness programs

The corporate wellness marketplace is constantly evolving--highly customizable plans are suddenly in high demand.

Encouraging employees to be the best versions of themselves canbe as simple as providing access to wellness resources that fittheir specific needs. Health care consumerism has doneexactly that, giving worksite wellness a facelift and making iteasier to appeal to a more diverse range of clients anddemographics.

Wellness plans come in all shapes and sizes--the more successfulones seem to offer unique challenges, provide multiple alternativesto appeal to multiple groups of people, and focus on the emotionalempowerment of their employees.

Providing the power of choice to participants is key, andjumping on that bandwagon is a no-brainer if you want your wellnessprogram to survive and thrive in 2016 (and beyond!).