Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Publication Title

American Journal of Health Promotion

Volume

34

Abstract

Recent industry surveys indicate that a majority of employers are offering health and well-being (HWB) programs to their employees,1,2 but the reasons for offering them have changed over time. While a desire to improve employee health and contain rising health-care costs remain important, employers increasingly recognize a broader value proposition for investing in workforce HWB. A 2019 survey found employers are more likely to seek outcomes such as improved productivity and employee morale as well as reductions in injury rates and turnover.3 Demonstrating how workplace HWB initiatives are linked to such outcomes is challenging. As consultants, researchers, and practitioners working in the workplace wellness field for decades, we’ve often observed organizations that are benefits and data rich but information poor. Even when organizations invest in data warehouses and have access to sophisticated real-time reporting platforms, they struggle to organize the data into meaningful narratives that convey the value yielded by their investment.

In 2018, Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) convened a large group of subject matter experts, employers, industry vendor suppliers, consultants, and practitioners to discuss how to approach measurement, evaluation, reporting, and dashboard development within their organization.4 A key point raised by several subject matter panelists was the need to identify who will be using the information that is shared and for what purpose. Additionally, the observation was made that there is a tremendous amount of time and energy invested in the development of client-specific dashboards and that a standardized approach and metrics would be of benefit to all involved. Therefore, the convening launched an effort focused on providing guidance for employers on development of a Value Demonstration Dashboard that informs decision-making regarding ongoing investments in workforce HWB. This article aims to share this guidance, with a focus on steps for development and identification of metrics that will be most meaningful for performance insight and informed decision-making by business leaders. But first, it’s important to clarify what we mean by a Value Demonstration Dashboard.

Issue

4

First Page

448

Last Page

451

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/0890117120915113b

Comments

Originally published in American Journal of Health Promotion. 2020. Volume 34. Issue 4. Pages 448-451.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0890117120915113b

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