Elevate Employee Wellness with Digital Health Benefits Plan

Elevate Employee Wellness With Digital Health Benefits Plan

Introduction

What are digital health services? Digital health services or telehealth uses information and communication technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. This includes video conferencing, virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and record keeping.

Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in corporate healthcare. Factors such as the rising cost of healthcare, increasing demand for convenience and flexibility in healthcare delivery, and the prevalence of chronic conditions are causing this shift. Because of this, organizations are prioritizing employee health and well-being more than ever. Employee health benefits have become the standard foundation coverage for many of these organizations.

In this blog, we will explore the convenience and benefits of having digital healthcare services accessible to employees in their workplace.

Importance of Digital Healthcare for Employees

Telehealth is a rapidly growing field, and recent technological advances are making telehealth more efficient in improving employee health and productivity. It holds significant relevance to the corporate sector as it addresses the healthcare needs and challenges faced by employees within their workplace. Digital health is making its mark in corporate wellness programs, offering several key advantages for employees and employers alike.

a.???Enhanced Access to Healthcare: Employees have convenient access to healthcare, regardless of where they are physically located. Without the constraints of time or distance, employees can connect with doctors and specialists and receive quality care timely. This accessibility helps promote overall well-being.

b.???Convenience and Flexibility: Digital health for corporations aligns with the modern work environment, where remote work and flexible schedules are the new norm. It brings medical expertise directly to the employees, breaking down traditional barriers associated with healthcare. It caters to the needs of the workforce, providing quality healthcare services accessible, affordable, and convenient.

c.???Cost-effective Healthcare Solution: The traditional approach to managed healthcare is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the rise of digital health solutions. By reducing the need for in-person visits, these solutions eliminate expenses associated with hospital care. Additionally, they help improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, which leads to cost savings.

Digital Healthcare Services for Employees:

1.???Teleconsultations: Employees can schedule virtual appointments with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes/workplaces at a time of their convenience. Whether they have minor health concerns or require professional medical advice, employees can connect with healthcare professionals from their phones or laptops.

2.???Access to Specialists: The video conferencing feature can connect employees with specialized healthcare professionals who might not be available locally, enabling them to receive expert care from any geographical location.

3.???Telemedicine Services: Telemedicine generally refers to the ability to receive prescriptions electronically and online delivery of authentic medicines. It includes diagnosis and treatment through telecommunications. Telemedicine services promote feasibility and accessibility for all.

4.???Follow-up Care: Teleconsultations allow employees to maintain continuity of care and schedule follow-up appointments easily.

5.???Wellness Programs: Corporate digital health services can integrate with wellness initiatives, offering mental health, nutrition, physical activity, psychological counseling, and health check-ups.

Advantages of Adding Digital Health Services to Employee Benefit Package:

The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, and technology stands as a pivotal force driving this transformation. While digital health can never replace in-person care, it can supplement the care provided. Hence, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce, the employee health benefit package provides the following advantages:

a.???Enhanced Employee Productivity: It is no secret that talented, healthy teams translate to more productivity. Employees who feel that they are well taken care of are more productive in their roles. Telehealth provides employees quick access to healthcare professionals, to address their health concerns promptly. This leads to faster recovery and reduced absenteeism.

b.???Attract and Retain Talent: A healthy, talented workforce is a company’s greatest asset. Employers who incorporate digital health into their wellness programs demonstrate their commitment to employee health and well-being. Consequently, superior health packages are one of the ways employers make employees feel valued. This aids in employee recruitment and retention efforts.

c.???Reduced Healthcare Costs: Integrating telehealth service in employee health coverage helps control healthcare costs by eliminating the need for employees to visit hospitals. Telehealth also promotes healthcare delivery which also leads to cost savings. Providing employees with access to affordable healthcare solutions can help employers reduce healthcare expenditures and achieve long-term cost savings.

What does a Successful Corporate Digital Health Package look like?

A successful corporate digital health program encompasses a range of strategies, technologies, and initiatives that prioritize employee well-being, improve health outcomes, and contribute to a positive work environment. A successful corporate digital health program includes:

1.???Comprehensive Wellness Offering: The program must offer a holistic approach to wellness, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It includes a variety of resources, including fitness challenges, psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, and more.

2.???Telehealth integration: The program seamlessly incorporates digital health services, allowing employees to access teleconsultations, diagnostics through online lab sampling, and treatment through prescription-based medicine delivery. These services make healthcare accessible, affordable, and efficient.

3.???Health Tracking Technology: The program comes with wearable devices and mobile apps for employees to monitor their health statics, such as heart rate, blood sugar level, blood pressure, sleep cycle, etc. This helps customize programs according to individual needs.

4.???Data Privacy & Security: The program prioritizes user privacy and security, ensuring that health and other personal information is protected and compliant with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA.

5.???Integration with Benefits and Incentives: Employee benefits like insurance plans and wellness programs are integrated within the employee health coverage program.

Conclusion

Adding digital health services to employee benefit packages is a game-changer for corporates. Most companies that offer health insurance are now offering some sort of digital health service as well. According to McKinsey & Company, 60% of survey respondents prefer telehealth over in-person visits, and about 63% showed interest in digital health solutions.

Robust employee health benefits coverage that includes comprehensive digital health services significantly contributes to achieving multiple organizational goals. Telehealth improves employee health and well-being by providing convenient access to medical care and promoting timely interventions. Improved accessibility leads to reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and higher employee engagement, resulting in greater job satisfaction and retention rates.

In conclusion, incorporating digital health services into employee benefits packages is a strategic decision that enhances employee well-being, and positions an organization as a forward-thinking employer.