In This Post:
Presenters:
Alex Greenberg
Vice President, Business Development
In today’s fast-paced work environment, companies are increasingly realizing the importance of employee wellness. Optum Workplace Well-being, a leader in workplace wellness services, has developed a robust suite of programs designed to foster a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Last week, during our Meet a Vendor webinar series we had the pleasure to hear from Alex Greenberg, Vice President, Business Development at Optum Workplace Well-being. Alex presented on a wide range of offerings that target physical, mental, and social well-being within workplaces.
What does Optum do?
Optum Workplace Well-being delivers a broad suite of workplace wellness services. They provide these services to employers, properties, governments, and municipalities interested in bringing wellness to the workplace. The services are categorized into three areas:
- Population Health. Comprehensive health promotion support to raise awareness and engagement of all wellness offerings. Support is available in three levels, based on an employers need. Program Managers help develop and create population health strategies, Health Promotion Specialists implement strategies and Mental Well-being Specialists deliver strategies focused on emotional well-being and anti-stigma campaigns and provide Mental Health First Aid training.
- Movement. Design, development and management of fitness and wellness spaces, supported by a wide range of holistic programs and an-all-inclusive fitness and wellness app. The app is a fully integrated experience that includes essential capabilities to operate a fitness center, including membership management, but it goes further to support employees wherever they are with on-demand fitness classes, wellness resources and access to the nation’s largest discounted gym network. Ergonomic support is also available to help employers manage MSK challenges. This service provides education on proper ergonomics, provides customized exercises to manage pain and triages employees to next-level care when needed.
- Coaching. Wellness coaching is a NCQA-certified offering that includes ten tracks of lifestyle content, addressing weight management, nutrition, stress, sleep and more. Optum also offers nutrition programming delivered by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who provide individual counseling, group education and food and beverage consulting.
One-to-Many Well-being Experiences
Optum Workplace Well-being’s “one-to-many” approach emphasizes community and inclusivity. Employees can participate in a wide range of group activities, including:
- Fitness activities: Options like sunrise yoga, energy circuits, and restorative yoga sessions offer ways for employees to improve flexibility and reduce stress.
- Social wellness: Organized walking groups, sports teams, and even clubs for unique interests like gardening or salsa dancing foster connection and belonging among employees.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Programs like mindfulness walks and wellness breaks, help employees recharge and refocus.
Personalized Wellness Programs
For employees seeking individualized support, Optum Workplace Well-being’s “one-to-one” programming delivers tailored experiences:
- Targeted programs: Specialized tracks like “Eat Smart” for nutrition and “Stress Less” for mental well-being allow participants to focus on specific wellness goals.
- Custom fitness plans: Personal trainers help employees set fitness goals, develop workout plans, and monitor their progress. Small-group or individual sessions add flexibility to these programs.
Self-Guided Wellness with App Support
Optum Workplace Well-being’s fitness and wellness app serves as a digital companion, offering access to over 10,000 on-demand fitness classes, along with mindfulness, mobility, sleep, and nutrition resources. It’s also integrated with an employer’s on-site fitness center, serving as a member management tool to streamline all administrative functions—scheduling, billing, and member usage.
Optimizing spaces
Energy rooms and recovery rooms can be added to existing fitness centers or by repurposing spaces, such as a conference room or office area, across the workplace. This amenity is gaining in popularity and aligns with commercial industry trends as well.
What’s compelling about recovery spaces is that they don’t require a lot of space, don’t require shower facilities, and the equipment is low cost with minimal maintenance needed. These spaces are highly valued by employees as they can participate on their own schedule, and it supports physical therapy.
Low-Sweat and High-Intensity Programs
Recognizing that employee needs vary, Optum caters to both low-sweat seekers and high-intensity enthusiasts:
- Low-impact options: Programs like daily stretch breaks, virtual therapy, and mindfulness challenges meet the needs of employees looking for gentle wellness experiences.
- High-intensity activities: Programs like group fitness, personal training, and sport leagues serve those eager for more activity.
Success Stories
Optum Workplace Well-being’s impact is well-documented. In a recent initiative with an international eCommerce company, they designed a virtual wellness program accessible to all employees across 21 countries. This program yielded:
- 6,974 participants in wellness breaks,
- 1,031 participants in engagement challenges,
- And a 94% satisfaction rate, with employees rating the services 8 or higher on a 10-point scale.
Quantifiable Health Benefits
Optum Workplace Well-being’s programs are not only effective but also cost-efficient. The reduction in healthcare costs—46% lower than the employee average—demonstrates the financial impact of their strategies.
Get in touch with Optum!
Optum Workplace Well-being’s comprehensive holistic programs bring a new level of inclusivity, flexibility, and engagement to employee health. By offering a mix of community-based activities, personalized wellness support, and app-based resources, they empower employees to lead healthier, happier lives.
Contact Optum’s team today or visit their website to learn more!
Alex Greenberg – alex.greenberg@optum.com
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