When it comes to team morale, more and more workplaces are recognizing the major role that general employee wellness can play. And because HealthShares implicitly encourage healthy habits and lifestyle by their nature, implementing HealthShare membership as part of an employee group benefits package can only elevate employee health and morale.
HealthShares: A catalyst and support for healthy workplace culture
HealthShares are not just avenues for health expenses; they are a catalyst for building a company culture focused on health and wellness. By encouraging employees to be proactive in their health, HealthShares naturally foster an environment where wellness is not only a priority, but a shared responsibility. The healthier the community is, the lower the financial burden of supporting healthcare costs will be.
Strategies to leverage HealthShares for improved morale
- Encourage Comprehensive Wellness: HealthShares can be used to support not just physical health, but mental and emotional wellness, providing a somewhat holistic approach to general wellbeing. With this kind of support in place for employees, employers can further help by organizing wellness activities, health screenings, and mental health days.
- For companies self-funding their health benefits, this can play a significant role in reducing costs. The US Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 wellness report noted a considerable reduction in healthcare costs, with 60% of companies indicating that workplace wellness programs had lowered their organizations healthcare expenses.
- The results of multiple studies by Health Affairs also found that for every dollar a company invests in workplace wellness programs, there’s an average return of $3.27 in reduced healthcare costs.
- Promote Preventive Care: With HealthShares, preventive care shouldn’t just be accessible—it should be encouraged. While not all HealthShares include sharing for preventive care, some like Zion HealthShare make it a regular feature. By prioritizing preventive care, Healthshares help keep employees healthier, reducing absenteeism due to illness. According to EBN, workplaces employing wellness programs show 56% of employees reporting fewer sick days.
- Foster a Community: HealthShares, as a membership structure, can enhance the sense of community in the workplace. This can be strengthened through group health challenges or team-building activities focused on wellness. Aflac 2019 Workforces Report shows that 70% of employees enrolled in a workplace wellness program report higher job satisfaction compared to those not enrolled.
Workplace wellness programs, the intent of which is complementary to HealthShare membership, have shown remarkable benefits for both employers and employees.
Implementing HealthShare membership in the workplace will reap more than just physical health benefits: it can lead to improved employee retention, as team members feel valued and cared for. When employees get the sense that they are being invested in, overall morale and job satisfaction can improve dramatically. By prioritizing health and wellness, employers can boost their employees’ quality of life while also building a more engaged and productive team.
For more information about implementing HealthShares in a group benefits package, check out our 2024 HealthShare Guide.
