Personalized results reports help employees connect the dots

The enhanced reporting option doesn’t only list out the result values for the employee, but also discusses what each result means, and what steps can be taken to help improve an out-of-range result or maintain a healthy result.  Well-being tips are also included in the report, to link physical health to overall well-being. The report also provides the participant with direction on where to go next, and encourages them to act on their unique health risks to begin their quest for better health.

Additionally, the MyGuide to Health allows for employers to include custom messaging about resources available to their employees within the report. These resources are printed directly on the report near the related result values, and are tailored to each employee based on the health plan they have, as well as their screening results. This allows employer groups to connect the dots for participants. It “brings all aspects of [the participant’s] well-being program together,” said Zygmund, and “reinforces communication efforts about what other resources and programs are available.”

Not only does an enhanced reporting option provide more detailed, educational information, it also puts that information in front of employees when they are most likely to act on it: while they are reviewing their results. Getting the attention of employees at this point of engagement is essential, and makes a big difference in the effectiveness of your wellness program. This also increases the chances of individuals taking action to better their health.

During a well-being program, a lot of communications are sent out about different offerings. Zygmund confirmed that the Barry Wehmiller HR department said too many communication messages had been a challenge for them in the past, but “this report helped more effectively communicate the resources available.”

It’s difficult to find the balance where you’re not over or under communicating, and it’s even more difficult to engage with employees and encourage them to make use of the resources available to them. Sometimes, with so many messages floating around, it’s hard for employees to realize everything that’s offered and related to them specifically, until the information is all right in front of them. Including details about resources within the results report gives employees that “ah-ha” moment, where they can see the connection between their out-of-range result and the offerings in place to help them get back on track.

Having an enhanced report leads to more engaged employees and more excitement about your biometric screening program. Zygmund said that the switch to the MyGuide to Health report was also deemed a great success because it “got people talking about biometrics after the fact, which had not been the case in years past.” Barry Wehmiller employees expressed positive feedback to the Wellbeing and HR teams, and that helped push the decision to stick with the upgraded reporting option in 2017. “One participant said ‘the report was like having my own guidebook to my personal health',” said Zygmund. Having employees react so positively to their results report leads to even more engagement. If employees are excited about the biometric screening program, they will talk about it, and encourage others in the workplace to see how great it is. Word of mouth referral from colleagues is, and always will be, a great way to boost program participation.

Even though an enhanced reporting option may require a bit more of an investment, you’ll see the returns in employee engagement and improved health. And, with more employees engaged in their health, you can positively affect your bottom line by having a healthier, more informed, and more productive workforce.