Making Wellness Programs a Reality: Part 3

In Part 2 of this series I talked about the second step of Making a Wellness Program a Reality in your organization. Step 2 was Implementation, this article is on Step 3: Evaluate & Measure Return on Investment.

Step 3 – Evaluate & Measuring Return on Investment

This is the most elusive step for most organizations. However, if the previous steps were done correctly then the return on investment should be quite obvious.

This step is broken into three levels of evaluation. This three-level approach will help to derive stronger success in the future as well as a confidence that the programs are having an impact.

Level 1 – Process Evaluation

In this level we take a look at how the program actually ran. Some questions need to be asked in order to evaluate the results of the process:

• What programs had the most success?
• What areas are there for improvement?
• What programs had the most participation?
• What programs provided the most attention from staff?
• What community service providers seemed to be most excited about the attention they received?
• What rewards provided the most motivation with the staff?

These questions will help you develop an efficient program that works, while tossing the less effective items aside.

Level 2 – Impact Level

In this level, we take a look at the overall success of the programs run. Questions need to be asked regarding each initiative and health goal that was attached to each program. Examples of these would be:

• How much weight did people lose as a group or on an individual basis?
• How many people stopped smoking?
• How many people have changed the way they eat?
• How many fewer workplace injuries occurred?
• How many fewer cups of coffee were consumed during the period?

The questions will change depending on the programs and goals that were used.

Level 3 – Corporate Outcome Level

This is where we measure the financial success of the plan. Sometimes the financial return on investment for wellness take months or years to become evident; it’s a long term investment as it takes time to improve health, lose weight and quit smoking. When evaluating the ROI, the following questions need to be asked:

• How much more productive are staff?
• How many less sick/workplace injury days did the company take during the specified period?
• How many fewer health claims where made against the benefits plan?
• How much more successful is the company at acquiring & retaining key staff?

Based on these three levels of evaluation, the positive impact that the programs had on the company should be clear. If done right, there will be a strong financial motivation for continuing with the program.

You’ve just finished reading Part 3 of a 3 part series called “Making Wellness Programs a Reality.” Click here to read the article on Step 1. Click here to read the article on Step 2.

If you want to discuss this topic or need support in launching your own wellness program, please connect with me at michael.kettner@kettnerbenefits.com or visit my website at www.kettnerbenefits.com.