3 Ways Digital Platforms Engage Employees in Corporate Health Programs

Employers dedicate significant time and resources to building and maintaining onsite healthcare programs, and for good reason. Today, more than 80% of employers say they’re supporting the physical and emotional health of their workforce, by offering benefits focused on improving employee well-being.

But what’s the point of having an onsite program or benefit offering, if it’s not being utilized by employees? Implementing a digital platform in conjunction with an onsite offering gives employees the opportunity to easier participate in initiatives, register and engage in program services, and feel in control over their health journey.

3 Ways Digital Platforms Engage Employees In Corporate Health Programs

1. Improve employee engagement in onsite challenges and initiatives.

Many vendor platforms and portals have features that make it easier for participants to register for onsite wellness initiatives and program features. Most portals have calendars highlighting date ranges for weekly, monthly or quarterly initiatives, so employers can see what’s being offered. In addition, portals offer quick links to sign up for ongoing challenges, lunch & learns, and even register for appointments. By creating a one-stop-shop for registration, a digital portal ensures that employees are staying engaged with their onsite program. 

2. Employees can track their individual health progress.

Utilizing a platform for internal initiatives and challenges makes it easier for participants to track their health progress and engagement. For example, maybe the onsite vendor partner is running a weekly walking challenge to encourage employees to incorporate more movement into their day. Digital platforms can supplement these challenges by providing live leaderboards with updates on each of their coworker’s step counts and to notify employees what place they stand in. When a participant can track their progress in a program, they’ll be more involved and engaged.

But digital platforms can track more than just step count; they can also keep inventory of key biometrics including weight, calorie input and output, blood pressure, glucose, and more. With an entire health history in one place, employees can better trace trends, track progress, and recognize if their health is improving or not.

3. Give employees ownership over their health data and ability to manage their risks.

Onsite platforms improve health literacy and give employee’s a sense of ownership over their health journey. Outside of tracking their own biometrics, employees have access to digital health libraries through the platform, which contain resources breaking down symptom management, different conditions, and explanations for medical terminology and illnesses.

On the TargetCare portal, we provide participants with graphics showing their change in risk level, information on their current medication dosages and frequencies, their individual health goals, their progress in ongoing coaching programs, any upcoming appointments and more. By laying out all elements of a participant’s health journey, they’ll feel in control and will engage in taking steps to improve their health.

The goal with any onsite program is to get participants involved in the services offered and to improve their overall health, which is why supplementing an existing program with a digital platform is essential. Digital platforms simplify all aspects of a program by providing relevant resources, progress tracking, and the ability to engage in an initiative through the click of a button. Higher engaged employees lead to better productivity and a healthier workplace.