Benefits brokers who prioritize wellness programs understand the strategic necessity of offering holistic wellness solutions as more than a value-added service; rather it should be seen as essential to an organization. Wellness programs improve employee well-being, productivity and morale while simultaneously decreasing healthcare costs; therefore, teaming up with an employee benefits broker who places an emphasis on this aspect will have significant positive impacts on your organization.
This article will outline the advantages of engaging wellness-focused brokers, and present many, best-in-class, employee benefits brokers that specialize in this area.
Why Wellness Should Be Priority when Selecting an Employee Benefits Broker?
Selecting an employee benefits broker who prioritizes wellness is an investment with tangible returns: it creates opportunities to reduce healthcare costs, all while improving employee health.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs
Wellness programs effectively tackle poor lifestyle habits that account for roughly 70% of healthcare costs, according to the CDC. For instance, sedentary employees incur an additional $1,313 in healthcare costs per year on average while smokers incur $2,056 on average – programs targeting behavioral change can significantly lower these expenses and lead to significant savings for employers. - Increased Productivity
Presenteeism–the phenomenon where employees come into work while feeling unwell or distracted–can wreak havoc with productivity. Smokers experience presenteeism 28% more often, 66% higher for unhealthy eaters and 50% more often among those who do not exercise regularly than others. Wellness programs designed to foster healthier behaviors can significantly decrease presenteeism while increasing overall productivity. - Improved Employee Morale
A well-crafted wellness program fosters an atmosphere of community, directly impacting employee morale. Organizations with strong wellness cultures see higher returns compared with peers without similar programs. - Experienced Guidance
Top brokers use their expertise in selecting wellness vendors for you organization’s specific needs, making selection easy with better outcomes and seamless selection processes. They can recommend programs specifically tailored for you! - Faster Implementation
Experienced brokers facilitate faster implementation by drawing upon existing vendor relationships and proven processes to ensure a smooth launch with immediate benefits for employees. - Cost Savings
Wellness-focused brokers can leverage vendor discounts, passing those savings along to clients. Moreover, showing dedication to wellness can result in favorable insurance underwriting and renewal rates for themselves and their clients. In fact, WellSteps has a full broker program offering discounted rates and add on services-just for brokers. - Customization
A generic wellness program often fails to produce meaningful change for employees. Brokers offering tailored solutions offer programs tailored specifically for your company culture and employee needs.
Pro Tip: Stay away from “free” wellness programs included with insurance packages as these tend to be generic and ineffective. Instead, invest in tailored programs which encourage sustainable behavior changes with long-term returns on investment.
How to Evaluate Wellness-Focused Brokers
Now that the case has been made for working with a broker-how do you choose? Consider the following areas when interviewing your wellness broker. Finding the right fit in a broker will ensure mutual trust and respect in the relationship leading to more collaboration and success.
- Client and Culture Fit: Does the broker understand your company’s culture and objectives? Does their availability and approach to customer service fit your needs?
- References: Check testimonials or ask for references you can contact directly. Review case studies from past clients when possible as they give an indication of what to expect as well as help avoid common pitfalls.
- Cost and Expected Benefits: When determining the value of any wellness program, associated broker fees must be considered. When talking numbers and cost, be sure it is clear what services will be provided and compare initial investments against long-term savings potential.
Top brokers known for delivering innovative wellness solutions:
- Ollis/Akers/Arney
Ollis/Akers/Arney has more than two decades of experience developing wellness programs tailored specifically to client cultures. Their services include:
Programs focused on physical, mental, financial and social wellness are offered. Regular data reviews allow us to tailor strategies accordingly and an annual Wellness Conference offers insights that are immediately implementable. - Nesso Group (Formerly Bongiovanni Insurance)
Nesso Group’s approach focuses on empowering employees while offering holistic wellness solutions. Their programs feature:
Individual corporate wellness partners for guidance and accountability; Spanish-speaking staff to increase accessibility; proven results such as increased productivity and decreased absenteeism mes 3. Epic Insurance Brokers & Consultants - EPIC
“The Well” initiative, offered by EPIC promotes behavioral modification through comprehensive, data-driven programs. - GBS
GBS enhances employee experiences with wellness programs that leverage advanced analytics. A few examples include:
Personal Health Coaching; On-site Screenings and Wellness Events, Comprehensive Rewards Consulting - Huntington Insurance
Huntington is dedicated to offering engaging wellness programs. Some unique features are:
Surveys to understand employee needs, Stress Management Initiatives - Holmes Murphy
Holmes Murphy offers tailor-made wellness programs with tangible outcomes. Their programs feature family planning resources and caregiver benefits, as well as surveys designed to uncover employee needs. - Lockton Affinity
Lockton Affinity’s wellness solutions help businesses implement wellness solutions to boost employee satisfaction and retention. - Marsh McClennan Agency
Marsh McClennan uses an integrated approach, including vendor selection, long-term planning, employee engagement tools and employee benefits, to deliver comprehensive wellness programming.
Now what?
Partnering with the best employee benefits brokers for wellness programs can transform your workplace culture, reduce costs, and boost employee wellness. When selecting the ideal broker, you will gain access to customized solutions, expert guidance, and tools necessary for building a thriving and healthy workforce.
At WellSteps, we pride ourselves on strong brokerage relationships upheld throughout the years. Looking for more insight? Reach out or signup for a free demo today to learn more.
