How can HR professionals use wellness metrics to improve employee retention?

‘Build awareness with the VAC approach- A wellbeing program is useless if nobody’s aware of what’s available to them. This three-pronged VAC approach to build Visibility- Accessibility – Credibility all throughout.

Performing on wellness metrics fosters a long-term commitment from employees by creating an environment where they feel valued and supported. Wellness metrics tell a story about workforce well-being. It's a journey toward an environment where employees' overall well-being and productivity are given top priority.

Traditional employee surveys are becoming outdated. Workers don't want to fill out long, repetitive questionnaires every week or so. As a result, very few actually complete these surveys. It's better to collect data from tools that employees use every day (e.g., Slack, Discord). This way, there's no need for separate surveys. The data gathered this way is more trustworthy since it's less affected by biases. Also, it gives instant insights because it's in real-time. Using daily tools for data collection is more efficient. This method is direct and reflects the employee's true experiences. Overall, it’s a more accurate way to measure how employees feel and work.

Utilizing wearable technology and wellness applications to track stress levels and physical activity is part of leveraging technology for wellness metrics. Surveys and feedback tools offer ongoing insights, while integrated HR systems and online health risk assessments expedite data collection.

I'd say the first step to creating an effective program is to understand your employees' habits and preferences through interviews or conducting health assessments. Some steps; 1. Design questions that ask about their habits, preferences, challenges, and goals 2. Identify common ground/key points 3. Categorise the data as per identified key points 4. Check some discrepancies/conflicting information 5. Map goals 6. Translate data to actionable insights 7. Create Baseline Metrics Don't forget to add some fun by making it like a challenge with recognition (it could be a voucher, cash, etc.)

Through the examination of employee health, stress, and engagement data, we were able to pinpoint particular areas that needed attention. For example, increased stress levels led to the development of mindfulness programs, and research on sedentary behavior resulted in programs that encourage physical activity. We customized programs using technology-driven feedback to meet the various needs of our workforce in terms of well-being.

It can also be a challenge to get employees to utilise wellness programs and apps. Some ways to do so are: 1. Repeatedly communicate wellness program details through various channels. 2. Leadership endorsement helps emphasize the importance of well-being & set an example for employees. 3. Tailored Programs: Offer a variety of wellness initiatives to cater to diverse interests, ensuring broader employee engagement. Eg. focussed quizzes, contests, etc. 4. User-friendly platforms to ensure easy access & seamless participation. 5. Incentives & rewards for active participation and achievements in wellness activities. Encouraging employees to actively engage in wellness programs is vital for fostering a healthier and more productive workplace.

By leveraging wellness metrics, organization can get insights into the holistic well-being of employees and tailor strategies to enhance job satisfaction, engagement, and overall retention. However, the most challenging task is getting employees actively engaged in wellness programs, because employees may be hesitant to participate or may not see the immediate benefits. Hence Establishing a system for continuous feedback, regularly review and adjusting programs accordingly becomes imperative. This process will ensure that wellness efforts align with the evolving needs of the workforce. This proactive approach will definitely contribute to a positive workplace culture and improved employee retention.