Rising health care costs? Get a clean bill of health with
Health Coaching
If you think a healthier, more productive workforce is out of reach, think again. All it takes is a little coaching. That's why Ceridian provides unique behavior modification programs as part of our Health Coaching solution. The programs are designed to tackle the four leading health issues that are driving the majority of claims: smoking, weight problems, increased stress levels and cardiovascular health.
Absent minded ...
Absences may be for mental rather than physical reasons. According to the 15th annual CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey, the average per-employee cost of absenteeism is $660 per year -- costing some large employers more than $1 million annually.
The study showed that two out of three employees who failed to show up for work weren't physically ill. Reasons for absences include:- Personal illness: 35%
- Family issues: 21%
- Personal needs: 18%
- Entitlement: 14%
- Stress: 12%
As work demands mount, more employees suffer from burnout and may miss work because they need a "mental health" day.
Source: HR.com, Dec. 6, 2006
And here's why. According to recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical care costs of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease account for more than 75 percent of the nation's $1.4 trillion in medical care costs. (PRWEB, Sept. 26, 2006) The good news is that coaching programs can promote behavioral changes that lead to healthier lifestyles, and, therefore, limit the onset of chronic diseases. This reduces the likelihood that employees will need costly medical treatment in the future. And, healthier employees are more productive and have increased morale.
"Employers have growing concerns about productivity and presenteeism," said Michael Mulvihill, Ceridian chief clinical officer. "Employers are beginning to understand that it's not just about medical claims, but how employees perform on the job." "Corporations are also bearing part of the cost of health care and the costs are passed on through increased premiums to employees," added Wendy Ryals, Ceridian product manager for Health & Wellness. "Health Coaching is a win-win situation for everyone. If the employee is healthier, they are not only healthier at work, but lead better, healthier lives in general." Can-do programsUnlike other coaching models, our Health Coaching solution establishes a direct partnership between a dedicated coach and a participant for the entirety of each 12-month program, focusing on one or more positive lifestyle goals identified by the participant. Below are the key programs offered:
- iCanThrive for Cardiovascular Health addresses the major risk factors that contribute to heart disease including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and minimal physical activity.
- iCanChange for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery focuses on multiple lifestyle behaviors including nutrition habits, exercise and cognitive behavioral practices. If program participants are bariatric surgery candidates, the program encourages adopting healthy lifestyle habits essential for ensuring successful weight loss and maintenance following surgery.
- iCanRelax for Stress Management uses a cognitive behavioral approach to help individuals manage occupational stress to increase job satisfaction, decrease stress symptoms and improve productivity.
- iCanQuit for Tobacco Cessation provides a different approach for quitting tobacco by offering employees a personal Health Coach who supports them every step of the way in developing a personal plan for success.
Our Health Coaching module is a powerful blend of clinical and behavioral expertise. Each program is designed to help individuals set goals and identify strategies to reach those goals.
Employee participation in the programs is driven by the employer's approach to incentives and program promotion. Incentives can include cash, gift cards or benefit premium reductions. "If you offer incentives to employees to participate in the programs, you can get more than 50 percent of qualified individuals participating," said Mulhivill. "Without incentives, the number of participants may be less than five percent." Teach to reachApproximately 80 percent of our health coaches have a master's degree in health education, dietetics or other similar behavioral-related degrees. Coaches are also required to participate in 100 hours of training per year with Ceridian's Best Practices Coaching Institute. The coach network is trained in motivational interviewing strategies using life-changing techniques to engage participants in programs and behavior change. The programs consistently achieve outcomes well above reported national norms. Aggregate outcomes include:
- 90 percent of participants complete the program.
- 79 percent of participants are reached for long-term follow-up calls.
- 90 percent health coach satisfaction rating.
- Over 30 percent of smokers have quit after 12 months.
- 89 percent of weight management participants achieve weight loss or weight stabilization after one year.
Mulvihill added, "Our programs are designed to put 'health' back into the health care system to help individuals enhance their vitality and improve their quality of life."
Ceridian's Health Coaching solution provides a world-class approach to behavior modification and can help your organization reduce medical costs and absenteeism and optimize employee productivity. For more details, contact your Ceridian representative.
