Wellness Scorecards: Tools for Engagement and Organizational Health Management

Abstract

Abstract Problem Statement: An aging workforce and an increase in the incidence of disabling chronic illnesses may put the workforce at risk. Evaluation of worksite wellness programs and the assessment of an organization's health data provide a means of identifying and addressing the areas at high risk. Objectives and Scope of Study: This paper describes pilot implementation of a wellness scorecard in multiple business units. The scorecard can determine alignment of programming with wellness best practices and facilitate alignment with specific outcomes that are relevant to the business. Method: Corporate Health and Medical is piloting a wellness scorecard in a cross-section of business units. An evidence-based approach provides businesses with a standard health report card that can be periodically monitored to provide information on how wellness programming compares to best practices. The scorecard is also used as a communication tool to engage business leaders in discussions about the value of health to the organization and to assess where businesses are currently positioned in the development of a culture of health. Results and Observations: An overall score or profile is provided based on 4 general categories: leadership engagement and support; workplace policies and environment that support health and wellness; programs that address health and wellness, in terms of design and impact; and assessment of the evaluation approach. Participating locations are also provided with a simple report that describes the degree of implementation of these categories. For organizations with more robust programs, the scorecard provides a tool for monitoring changes in population health and alignment with best practices. For those at the initial stage of developing health and wellness programs, it has utility for engaging leaders around health and wellness. Conclusions: Such scorecards can describe key measures of organizational health and assess implementation of best practices. Applications: Business units can leverage Corp and local health and medical's expertise around programming, data privacy, legal and policy implications of wellness programs. Innovations or Technical Contributions: Provides standard processes for management engagement around health and enhances programming that support workforce health and well-being.