The Role of Wellness Coaching in Employee Health
In the words of Thomas Edison, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and the cause and prevention of disease.” This vision is more relevant today than ever, as organisations increasingly recognise the importance of employee health, both mental and physical, in driving productivity, retention, and overall success.
One of the most effective strategies to achieve these goals is wellness coaching. According to Gallup, employees with higher wellbeing are 21% more productive and 59% less likely to seek a new job. By improving employee wellbeing, wellness coaching not only boosts engagement and retention but also fosters a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Let’s explore the role of wellness coaching in employee health and why it should be a cornerstone of your next workplace wellness program.
What is Wellness Coaching?
Wellness coaching is more than just giving advice or telling employees what to do. It’s a client-centered, collaborative process. The aim of it is to help individuals identify their health goals, overcome barriers, and develop actionable plans to achieve lasting behavioural change.
Unlike traditional health education, wellness coaching focuses on empowering employees to take ownership of their health journey. Coaches use techniques like motivational interviewing, SMART goal setting, and behavioural change strategies to guide employees toward healthier lifestyles.
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The Growing Need for Wellness Coaching
Chronic health conditions, stress, and burnout are taking a toll on workplaces worldwide. According to Gallup, chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease cost U.S. employers a staggering $36.4 billion annually in lost productivity. Additionally, 76% of employees report experiencing burnout, with 28% feeling burned out "very often" or "always."
These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective interventions that address both physical and mental health.
Wellness coaching has emerged as a powerful solution to these issues. Unlike traditional healthcare, which often focuses on treating symptoms, wellness coaching takes a preventive approach, helping employees adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases. Studies like DIRECT and FINGER have shown that lifestyle interventions, supported by wellness coaching, can significantly improve mental and physical health, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions.
Why Wellness Coaching Matters in the Workplace?
1. Preventing Chronic Diseases
According to Gallup, chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, heart disease) cost U.S. employers $36.4 billion annually in lost productivity. As we all know, prevention is better than cure.
So, wellness coaching makes sure to prevent these conditions by addressing lifestyle-related risk factors. Studies like the DIRECT and FINGER trials have shown that lifestyle interventions, supported by coaching, can lead to significant improvements in weight management, physical activity, and mental health.
For employees already living with chronic conditions, wellness coaching can help them better manage their health, reduce complications, and even put diseases like diabetes into remission. This not only improves their quality of life but also reduces the burden on employers in terms of healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
2. Promoting a Team-Based Approach to Health
You may have experienced this as well, you are more likely to show up in the gym every day if you have a coach who is guiding you. You will see faster results compared to if you do things on your own in the gym.
That’s why wellness coaching works best when integrated into a team-based approach to health improvement. In this model, doctors or healthcare providers identify areas for improvement and prescribe lifestyle changes, while wellness coaches provide the ongoing support needed to implement those changes.
This approach makes sure that employees receive continuous guidance, making it easier for them to adopt and sustain healthy behaviours.
For instance, a doctor might recommend an employee with high blood pressure to reduce salt intake and exercise regularly. A wellness coach would then work with the employee to create a personalised plan, address barriers (like time constraints or lack of motivation), and provide regular check-ins to track progress.
3. Addressing the Complexity of Behavioral Change
Changing habits is never easy even if you try hard. Employees face numerous barriers, from social norms and cultural influences to access to resources and health literacy levels.
Wellness coaches are trained to navigate these complexities by exploring the social determinants of health and tailoring their approach to each individual’s unique circumstances.
For example, an employee from a culture where high-calorie foods are a staple might struggle with dietary changes. A wellness coach can help them find culturally appropriate alternatives and develop strategies to overcome social pressures, ensuring long-term success.
The Benefits of Wellness Coaching for Employers
1. Reduced Healthcare Costs
Wellness coaching can significantly reduce healthcare costs for employers by preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles. Employees who participate in coaching programs are less likely to require expensive medical treatments or hospitalisations, leading to lower insurance premiums and fewer sick days.
2. Improved Employee Engagement and Productivity
Healthy employees are happier, more engaged, and more productive. There is a link between employee wellbeing and engagement. Wellness coaching helps employees feel supported in their health journey, which can boost morale and reduce stress.
Employees who are engaged and thriving in their wellbeing are 81% less likely to seek a new job. Wellness coaching can help employees thrive by addressing physical, mental, and emotional health, leading to higher engagement and retention.
When employees see tangible improvements in their health, they’re more likely to feel motivated and perform better at work.
3. Lower Absenteeism and Turnover
Employees who are engaged and thriving in their wellbeing are 81% less likely to seek a new job (Gallup). Wellness coaching fosters a culture of wellbeing, leading to higher retention rates and reduced turnover costs.
4. Better Workplace Culture
Investing in wellness coaching sends a powerful message to employees: their health and wellbeing matter. This can foster a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported, leading to higher retention rates and a stronger sense of community.
How to Implement Wellness Coaching in Your Organisation
1. Hire Trained and Certified Coaches
The effectiveness of wellness coaching depends on the quality of the coach. Look for coaches who are certified and have a strong understanding of lifestyle medicine, behavioural change theories, and motivational interviewing. Organisations like the Society of Behavioural Health Singapore (SBHS) are working to establish standards and accreditation for wellness coaches, ensuring they have the necessary skills to support employees effectively.
2. Integrate Coaching into Your Wellness Program
Wellness coaching should be a core component of your corporate wellness program. Offer employees access to coaching sessions, either in-person or virtually, and encourage them to set health goals. Provide resources like fitness trackers, healthy meal plans, or stress management workshops to complement the coaching process.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Psychological safety is crucial for the success of wellness coaching. Employees need to feel comfortable discussing their health challenges without fear of judgment. Coaches should create a safe and supportive environment where employees can openly share their struggles and work collaboratively to find solutions.
4. Measure and Track Progress
To ensure the success of your wellness coaching program, track key metrics like employee participation rates, health outcomes, and healthcare cost savings. Use this data to refine your program and demonstrate its value to stakeholders.
The Future of Wellness Coaching in the Workplace
As the evidence supporting the benefits of wellness coaching continues to grow, it’s clear that this approach is here to stay. Organisations that prioritise wellness coaching will not only improve employee health but also create a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce. By investing in wellness coaching today, employers can lay the foundation for a healthier, happier, and more successful future.
CHOYS Wellness Coaching: The Key to a Healthier, Happier, and More Productive Team
At CHOYS, we take a holistic approach to employee wellbeing by offering expert-led wellness coaching workshops designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional health. With a team of over 20 professionals, including psychologists, certified yoga instructors, financial coaches, and nutrition experts. we provide personalised support to help employees thrive. Plus, our app offers seamless access to EAP services, ensuring wellbeing is always within reach.
Let CHOYS help you create a healthier, happier workplace!
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FAQs
1. What does a wellness coach help with?
A wellness coach helps individuals set and achieve health-related goals by guiding them in areas like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes. They provide motivation, accountability, and strategies to improve overall wellbeing, tailoring their approach to each client’s needs.
2. What are the four pillars of health coaching?
The four pillars of health coaching are:
- Physical Health: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and overall fitness.
- Mental wellbeing: Stress management, emotional resilience, and mindset shifts.
- Behavioural Change: Building sustainable habits and overcoming barriers to success.
- Lifestyle Balance: Achieving harmony in work, relationships, and personal life.
3. How does coaching improve wellbeing?
Coaching improves wellbeing by offering personalised guidance, goal setting, and accountability. It helps individuals develop healthier habits, overcome obstacles, and maintain motivation, leading to long-term improvements in physical, emotional, and mental health.
4. What is the main role of the mental health coach?
A mental health coach supports individuals in improving their emotional and psychological wellbeing. They help clients develop coping strategies, build resilience, manage stress, and enhance self-awareness. While they don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions, they provide valuable support for personal growth and wellness.
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