How to encourage employee participation in preventative health

It’s important that employers help their employees understand commonly used insurance terms and find ways to make the language more transparent to employees. (Image: Shutterstock)

When you invest in health benefits and preventative health programs, you’re investing in your employees. Giving employees the resources and tools they need to improve their health, both mental and physical, can reduce immediate and future health care costs and lead to a more productive workforce. However, these prevention efforts and work wellness programs aren’t always promoted effectively, and the employee engagement rate is often lower than expected.

There are several reasons why your employees may not be participating in your corporate wellness programs. Some of the most common reasons for low engagement include lack of incentives, not enough time or money, a shortage of trust in the employee/employer relationship, and lack of communication regarding employer benefits and insurance. Breaking down these barriers can encourage your team to participate and be more conscientious of their health.