Cigna industry insight: Improving employee health with digital technology

Appetite among employers for digital health is beginning to surge. There is now a wealth of devices and gadgets available, all focused on improving employee health engagement and health outcomes. But understanding and navigating the technology available might seem like a daunting prospect. The reality is that there are three essential components that employers must harness to impact and improve employee health behaviours.

1. Kick-start motivation – wearable trackers

Cigna International’s Cigna 360 Wellbeing score survey, published in September 2015, showed that eight out of 10 people believe it is important to track their progress when making health improvements. This is evidenced with the growth in popularity of wearable devices such as FitBits, Jawbones and smart watches. These gadgets allow individuals to conveniently and continuously track everything from steps to sleep patterns. Used in conjunction with health apps, these devices can help kick-start motivation to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Increasingly, employers are including wearable trackers as part of their corporate health and wellbeing programmes. Observing the data over time, HR teams can gain insight about the health of their workforce. This allows them to design corporate initiatives that cater to the needs of their employees: a critical factor in boosting employee participation.

The great news is that the cost of wearable devices has decreased dramatically in recent years. So, for a relatively small investment these devices can be introduced in the workplace.

2. Partner for success – get the app

According to Cigna International’s research, 68% of people are interested in healthcare provider tools to help turn tracked data into a more detailed picture of their overall health and wellbeing.

Health apps enable employees to take a closer look at their health status and enjoy easy access to practical health and well-being advice and coaching. Some also provide access to general practitioner (GP) appointments by video conference. Employees can receive a quick diagnosis and with e-prescription options only a click away, these apps provide a quick and convenient solution.

With the right approach, employers can use health and wellbeing apps to encourage healthier lifestyle behaviours, while making it easier for their employees to access help and advice when they need it. Over time, this helps to minimise health risks and healthcare claims will likely decrease.

3. Drive engagement – gamification

Having the tools in place is one thing however in order to drive take up and participation, employers need the right strategy. Many employers that want to drive positive change and outcomes find that gaming and behaviour reward methods provide powerful motivation. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ research The wearable life: Connected living in a wearable world, published in xx 2016, 45% of respondents said that having a gaming feature to compete with others would be a strong motivator.

Gamification is usually delivered in the form of a challenge on a digital health platform, mobile responsive website or app. This platform typically allows users to sync their wearable trackers and gives employees points and rewards for taking part. Some may include a leader board showing individual and team progress together with tools for team members to interact and compare progress with competing teams for healthy competition.

Good communication plays a vital role in the success of these challenges. Senior management participation and encouragement will also help to drive health engagement across the workplace.

Employers now have the opportunity to embrace digital technology and use it to encourage positive change in employee health. Forward-thinking businesses stand to gain enthusiasm, energy and drive. This can directly impact employee productivity and absenteeism, as well as helping to improve organisational efficiency.

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