As consumers seek convenient ways to manage their health, digital health solutions – also known as health and wellness apps – have seen a significant surge. These tools, which offer a variety of services, including support for weight loss and diabetes, have the potential to help enhance employee health outcomes.
But even though more than half of employers now offer digital health tools, adoption rates among employees have yet to reach their full potential. According to a consumer sentiment survey, 68% of respondents said they’re likely to use a digital health solution like a mental health or nutrition app to enhance their health and wellbeing, indicating a strong interest for employers to tap into.
To help bridge this gap, we believe that it is important for employers to implement proactive strategies to help promote these offerings and make them more accessible and appealing to employees. Here are five strategies to consider that may help increase adoption levels in your workforce.
Select a vendor that offers integrated solutions
Choose a vendor that can integrate digital health tools with your health management system. Access to near real-time claims data facilitates interventions and decision-making support that can be delivered digitally or telephonically through recommended offers. Access to near real-time integration may help improve responsiveness and decision-making, which may help employers address health concerns promptly as they arise.
Implement user-friendly platforms with dedicated support
Look for a vendor that offers personalized support and digital health platforms designed to be user-friendly. This level of assistance may improve your employees’ health care experience, which could increase their likelihood to engage with the platform and help them take advantage of available resources.
Use data analytics to customize employee health programs
Use data analysis to examine health trends and patterns within your workforce. By analyzing this data, you may identify common health issues, predict potential future health challenges, and understand the specific health needs of your employees. Customizing health initiatives based on data-driven insights may help you enhance health outcomes and explain health care expenses.
Foster a culture of health and wellness
Create a workplace environment that prioritizes health and wellness. This may be achieved by involving company leaders and Employee Resource Groups in health initiatives, organizing group health challenges, and supporting health-related employee groups. Collaborating with others that promote such a culture may help improve employee engagement and contribute to a healthier, more supportive workplace.
Create personalized employee communications
Develop communications that cater to the health needs and preferences of your employees. Emphasize how digital health tools may help support their health goals, keeping them motivated and consistent in their health journey.
By implementing these strategies, employers may help enhance the adoption and effectiveness of stand-alone digital health solutions.
Samantha Baker is chief consumer officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business
