Low Engagement? Maybe your wellbeing program is too focused on health

Ever wondered why people don’t look after their health like you do? Why employees aren’t as passionate about their health as the designated ‘wellbeing champion’ in the workplace? Have you considered why your workplace wellbeing program has low engagement levels? 

It’s possible that your wellbeing program is too focused on health. 

Unfortunately, we see too many health professionals and workplace wellbeing providers promoting the numerous health benefits of participating in their wellbeing program without achieving high engagement levels. Why does this happen? Because they promote it in a way that motivates them, rather than what would motivate a broad range of people.  

Simply promoting ‘health improvement’ is not enough to motivate most individuals to engage in health related behaviours. As health professionals, we can sometimes struggle with accepting this, but the reality is if people were motivated by ‘health improvement’, our healthcare system wouldn’t be under as much pressure as it is today.  

In my experience, the people that respond best to the message of ‘health improvement’ alone are those that have experienced a serious health condition such as a heart attack or stroke. The value of ‘health’ gets promoted to the top of the list to influence daily decision making. Ambulance at the bottom of the cliff anyone? 

It’s important to recognise that while most people value their health, it may not be their top priority. They may have other values that take precedence over health, such as recognition, security, success, or achievement. The list of values can be extensive and diverse. 

Often ‘workaholics’ derive a high degree of value fulfilment from their jobs. When faced with the decision to work or prioritise their health, work often wins out. Unfortunately, this can lead to long term health consequences.  

So what’s the solution? We need to provide people with opportunities to promote their prioritised values when encouraging healthy behaviours. By not focusing on the value of health and instead promoting a wider range of values through our programs, we are more likely to engage a greater number of individuals.  

I recall working with an individual that wanted to lose 10kg but struggled to achieve it. He would lose 6kg but then regain all the weight. After identifying his values, I discovered that ‘recognition’ was his most important value.  

As a successful salesperson driven by targets, this came as no surprise. I asked him how many people knew about his goal to lose 10 kg and after careful consideration, he said 2 – his personal trainer and me! I challenged him to share his goal with 10 people. The following week, he returned and confirmed that he had done so. When I asked for the list, he hesitated. I explained that I wanted to call them to ensure he followed through. Sheepishly, he admitted that he hadn't told anyone. 

Two weeks later, he returned with the list (and their phone numbers!). Eight weeks later, he had successfully lost 10 kg. What changed? To achieve the highest degree of value fulfilment, he needed to lose weight in order to receive recognition. Not achieving his goal would have compromised his most important value, thus increasing his motivation. 

I often find myself questioning why we have so many health experts researching the intricacies on what it means to be healthy yet the majority of people would benefit greatly from a few small changes in their day. I think we would benefit more from less research on ‘what to do’ and more on how to ‘motivate people’ to do the basics. I guess it comes down to what the health experts’ value? 

To maximise engagement levels, ensure participation in your wellbeing program promotes a broad range of personal values – not just your own. 

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At Synergy Health we have developed the system to be able to turn these value promoting elements on (and off) to promote health related behaviours. The outcome is greater engagement and more successful health related outcomes. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us.