A Pathway to Healthier Living

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Inspired by a Harris poll showing that 70% of Americans feel the healthcare system has failed them, this episode tackles a critical but often overlooked aspect: employee engagement with healthcare benefits.?

At first glance, the healthcare system appears to offer good care—after all, we do hear about the occasional positive experience, like my mom's recent surgery where the hospital staff was exceptional. But these stories are overshadowed by the administrative complexities and the general sense of being overwhelmed. The real issue isn’t always the quality of care but the labyrinthine nature of navigating healthcare plans.

Think about it: even the best healthcare plan is ineffective if employees don’t understand how to use it.

Lack of Engagement

Sally Pace , CEO of Connect Healthcare Collaboration, brought some eye-opening insights to the table. According to her, one of the most significant challenges employers face is the lack of employee engagement with their health plans. It’s not just about having the right benefits—it’s about ensuring employees know how to use them.

Sally shared that only 12% of U.S. adults are considered health literate, meaning the vast majority don’t fully understand their healthcare benefits. This is a staggering statistic that underscores the importance of clear communication. When employees don’t grasp the terminology or the available services, they’re less likely to engage, leading to underutilization and higher costs.

The “Rule of Seven” and the “Three R’s”

One of the most effective strategies Sally discussed is the “Rule of Seven,” a marketing principle stating that people need to see a message at least seven times before they take action. In the context of healthcare, this means employees need multiple touchpoints to start engaging with their health benefits. This could be through emails, posters, push notifications, and even personalized communication from HR.

Alongside this, Sally introduced the “Three R’s”: Reach, Repetition, and Relevancy. These are crucial for driving engagement. For instance, if your communication isn’t relevant to your employees’ needs—like sending information about maternity benefits to someone who isn’t planning a family—then it’s unlikely to resonate or lead to action.

The Disconnect Between HR and Employees

Another alarming statistic discussed was that 85% of employees don’t trust HR when it comes to their health plans. This lack of trust is a significant barrier to engagement. Employees may feel that disclosing personal health information could impact their job security or future salary negotiations, making them hesitant to ask questions or seek guidance from HR.

This is where a third-party advocate can make a world of difference. Having a neutral, knowledgeable person or team available to answer questions and guide employees through their health benefits can significantly increase engagement.

The Cost of Ignorance

When employees don’t engage with their health plans, the consequences can be dire—not just for their health but also for the company’s bottom line. Sally shared a sobering example: when a group of employees was surveyed, 29% said they would have done nothing about their health issues if they didn’t have access to direct primary care. This could lead to worsening conditions and much higher healthcare costs down the line.

Making Healthcare Work for Us

The takeaway from this episode is clear: engagement is key. Employers need to move beyond simply offering benefits and focus on educating their employees on how to use them. This involves clear, consistent communication and perhaps most importantly, creating a culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.

At the end of the day, the healthcare system doesn’t have to suck—it just needs to be better understood and utilized. By investing in employee engagement, companies can improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and create a more satisfied, productive workforce.

If you’re struggling with employee engagement in your healthcare plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts like Sally Pace at Connect Healthcare Collaboration. The solutions are out there, and together, we can make healthcare work for everyone.

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