Quantifying Value of Worksite Well-Being Programs With a Health Equity Lens: It’s Time to Raise the Bar

Abstract

Calls to address workforce health inequities have been met with expanded well-being programming, without an assessment of programming relevance or evaluation of equity-related outcomes. The goal of this commentary is to summarize current practices and gaps in evaluation of well-being programs, provide evidence supporting the need for broader participation in well-being offerings, and make recommendations to incorporate health equity measures into planning and evaluation efforts conducted by both employers and vendors. Data sharing, expanded measurement, more rigorous evaluation methods, and alignment of goals are some of the recommendations to better address health inequities and differential participation among employees.

Promoting Health Equity in the U.S. Workforce – A Moral and Economic Imperative

“…shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2020-employee-benefits, evidence increasingly indicates that employee wellness programs often do not benefit all employees equitably, especially low-income employees. 12 which has led to calls for employers and the wellness or well-being industry to critically evaluate their benefits, policies, and programs through an equity lens. 12 Achieving health equity at work involves creating systems that give all employees fair and unbiased opportunities and resources that allow them to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.…”

“…12 which has led to calls for employers and the wellness or well-being industry to critically evaluate their benefits, policies, and programs through an equity lens. 12 Achieving health equity at work involves creating systems that give all employees fair and unbiased opportunities and resources that allow them to achieve their highest level of health and well-being. However, one study showed that nearly 60% of human resources (HR) professionals report not understanding the term "health equity."…”

“…11 However, while an increasing number of employers are offering wellness benefits following the COVID-19 pandemic https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2020-employee-benefits, evidence increasingly indicates that employee wellness programs often do not benefit all employees equitably, especially low-income employees. 12 which has led to calls for employers and the wellness or well-being industry to critically evaluate their benefits, policies, and programs through an equity lens. 12…”

“…12 which has led to calls for employers and the wellness or well-being industry to critically evaluate their benefits, policies, and programs through an equity lens. 12…”