worksite wellness programs case analysis of digital health communication efforts in three university...

WORKSITE WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Case analysis of digital health communication

efforts in three university settings:

Tufts University, Brown University, and University of

Massachusetts, Lowell

Nicole SchultzJuly 20, 2014

Outline

I. The Worksite Wellness Trend

II. Common Challenges in University Worksite Wellness

III. Case Studies

• Tufts University

• Brown University

• University of Massachusetts, Lowell

IV. Recommendations

Worksite Wellness

• Improve employee health to control health care costs

• Reduce burden of chronic disease• Absenteeism & “Presenteeism”

• Offered by health plans, outside vendors, or employer

• Large variation in program components

• Overall, aim to help employees:• Maintain healthy lifestyles

• Achieve work-life balance

• Cope with stress

• Boost morale and productivity

Common Challenges

• Lack of employee participation

• Expensive to implement

• Sustained behavior change

• Creating a culture of wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Goal:

To address and improve employees’ health and quality of

life while slowing down the rising cost of health care for

employee and employer

Target Audience: Faculty and Staff

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts University Wellness

Tufts: SWOT AnalysisStrengths Weaknesses

• Clear contact information• eHealth portal user guide• Infrastructure to support program• Health and Wellness Advisory

Group (HWAG)

• Inactive links• Webpage hard to navigate• No apparent use of social media• Lack of information

Opportunities Threats

• Use of social media• Developing website• Organizational support• HWAG

• Busy target audience• 3 campuses • Funding• Resources

Recommendations

• Website improvements • Ease of navigation

• Update and expand information about services and programs

• Update links

• Link to social media

• Implement social media strategies • Inform

• Connect

• Support

Brown University Wellness

Health Promotion Mission Statement …to promote healthy lifestyles by educating, enhancing awareness and encouraging positive behavioral changes for all Brown University employees in the areas of health education, exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation and stress management.

ObjectiveEncourage employees to reduce their health risks and improve their health and well-being both at home and on the job

Target Audience: Faculty and Staff

Brown University Wellness

Brown University Wellness

Brown University Wellness Rewards

Brown University Wellness

Brown University Wellness

Brown University Wellness

Brown: SWOT AnalysisStrengths Weaknesses

• Facebook page• Private Google site• Program and FAQ documents• Easy navigation • Calendar of events• Updated blog

• Dull colors• Crowded layout

Opportunities Threats

• Expand social media to Twitter and other platforms

• Use of mobile application

• Funding• Resources• Sustained engagement

Recommendations

• Website improvements

• Colors

• Layout

• Add navigation to left panel

• Expand social media presence

• Consider additional platforms, such as Twitter

University of Massachusetts: Lowell WellnessGoals:

Preventing, tracking and remedying workplace hazards

and providing a workplace environment that promotes

overall health and wellbeing.

Vision:

Students, faculty and staff will collaborate to promote

healthy environments and personal health as part of our

campus culture of learning and working with purpose.

Target Audience: Faculty and Staff

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass, Lowell Wellness

UMass: SWOT AnalysisStrengths Weaknesses

• Clear mission and goals• Link to campus recreation site,

which uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and e-mail list

• Easy navigation• Healthy Campus campaign• Links to programs

• Lack of social media presence• Limited information• Inactive link• Dull appearance

Opportunities Threats

• Develop social media presence• Expand Healthy Campus campaign• Improve website

• Resources• Funding• Personnel

Recommendations

• Website improvements

• More information

• Add color and pictures

• Social media

• Create separate Facebook page

General Recommendations

Low-cost initiatives

• Online information

• Ease of navigation (link from HR website)

• Wellness task force or committee

• Facebook and Twitter

Resource-intensive initiatives

• Online health portal

• Online fitness and health challenges (i.e. using FitBit)

• Hire vendor or organization to implement digital strategies

Thank you!

Questions?