Wellness coaching: a game-changer for employers and employees alike

At Optum Workplace Well-being, we see wellness programs evolving to meet the needs of both employers and employees. One approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is wellness coaching. Tailored, personal and holistic wellness coaching offers companies a powerful tool for enhancing employee well-being while improving overall business outcomes.

What is wellness coaching?

Wellness coaching is a process through which trained professionals, or wellness coaches, work with people or teams to improve their health and well-being. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, wellness coaching is highly personalized, focusing on individual goals, challenges and lifestyle factors. A wellness coach can help employees:

• Set realistic and actionable health goals
• Learn more about nutrition, exercise and mental health
• Make long-term behavioral changes
• Manage stress and achieve a healthy work-life balance

Wellness coaching isn’t about offering quick fixes or generic advice; it involves creating an ongoing, supportive relationship between the coach and the employee, empowering employees to take ownership of their well-being.

The role of wellness coaching for employers

For employers, wellness coaching goes beyond traditional programs that focus solely on physical health. It integrates mental and emotional health, stress management and work-life balance into a holistic approach that benefits everyone.

1. Improved employee health and reduced absenteeism. According to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employers who offer wellness coaching have seen a 32% reduction in absenteeism, as employees become healthier and more resilient.
2. Increased productivity. A wellness coach works with employees to set healthier routines, manage their stress levels and improve focus, leading to higher productivity at work. A study by the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) found that employees who participate in wellness programs, including coaching, see a 10% boost in productivity. 
3. Lower healthcare costs. Wellness coaching helps employees prevent or manage chronic conditions, resulting in lower healthcare costs for the employer. According to the RAND Corporation, wellness programs, including coaching, can lead to a $3 return for every $1 spent on healthcare, driven by a reduction in claims and hospitalization rates.
4. Enhanced employee retention and engagement. Providing wellness coaching demonstrates an employer’s commitment to employee well-being, fostering a positive work environment that translates into higher employee retention rates. A survey from Willis Towers Watson found that companies with effective wellness programs report a 50% increase in employee engagement and lower turnover rates.

What wellness coaching brings to employees

5. Personalized health guidance. Unlike traditional health programs, wellness coaching offers employees individualized attention. Whether the focus is weight management, mental health or building resilience, wellness coaches support each employee’s needs.
6. Stress management and mental health support. Mental health is a growing concern in the workplace, with reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Wellness coaches help employees build coping mechanisms and develop healthier routines, improving their mental health.
7. Long-term behavioral change. While traditional wellness programs may lead to temporary improvements, wellness coaching focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes. Employees are encouraged to set and track goals, receive ongoing support to realize lasting improvements in their overall health.
8. Improved job satisfaction and well-being. A study from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) showed that employees engaged in wellness programs with coaching reported a 62% improvement in overall well-being, translating into higher job satisfaction.

Industry statistics that show the impact

• A 28% decrease in sick leave. A study by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) found that companies implementing wellness coaching report a significant drop in employee absenteeism.
• A 26% reduction in healthcare costs. Employers offering wellness coaching programs report a marked reduction in healthcare expenses, thanks to improved employee health and early intervention.
• A 50% improvement in employee engagement. According to Willis Towers Watson, effective wellness programs with coaching increase employee engagement and reduce turnover rates by half.

Wellness coaching offers a tailored, human-centric approach to employee health and well-being that benefits employers and employees alike. For employers, it means improved productivity, lower healthcare costs and a more engaged workforce. For employees, wellness coaching provides the personalized guidance needed to make long-term lifestyle changes that improve overall health and job satisfaction.

Incorporating wellness coaching into a company’s wellness strategy isn’t just about offering health tips — it’s about creating a culture of support, growth and well-being. As the stats show, the investment pays off both for the bottom line and for the people who make the company thrive. Interested in exploring a wellness coaching program for your organization? Get in touch with our team to explore the right program for you and your employees.