Guest blog by Grace Gimson
In today’s work environment, prioritising the physical and mental wellbeing of employees is essential for any organisation aiming to thrive. Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of adopting a proactive, integrated approach to health that goes beyond simply reacting to issues when they arise. Digital coaching services are empowering organisations to take control of their employee wellbeing programmes, at scale.
Why Proactive Wellbeing is Essential for Employers
Traditionally, many workplaces have adopted a reactive approach to employee health - addressing issues when they arise. This often results in absenteeism, presenteeism (employees showing up but not being fully productive due to health issues) and burnout, which can have long-lasting effects on both the individual and the organisation.
A proactive approach, on the other hand, focuses on prevention and early intervention, offering employees the support they need to manage their health before issues become critical. This shift from reactive to proactive wellbeing can:
- Prevent physical and mental health issues before they escalate.
- Support employees in building resilience to stress and burnout.
- Promote a culture where wellbeing is integral to the organisation's mission.
- Boost retention through more sustainable living and working practices.
At a time where NHS services are under higher strain than ever (especially in the areas like mental health and musculoskeletal health, which are of high prevalence in the workplace), workplaces and employers will need to take on increasing responsibility to help maintain good health in their teams.
Personalised Digital Coaching at Scale
Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all wellbeing programmes, personalised digital coaching is a powerful tool that can support employees’ health and wellbeing in a way that is adaptable, scalable, and highly effective. Here is how this works on a larger scale:
- Customised Health Coaching: Personalised digital coaching allows employees to receive tailored advice and strategies based on their unique health and circumstances. Whether it is addressing sleep issues, managing stress, increasing physical activity, or cultivating healthy eating habits, digital platforms can provide a dynamic roadmap for better day-to-day health and wellbeing based on the individual’s specific progress, goals, and lifestyle.
- Empowerment Through Self-Management: One of the key benefits of digital coaching is that it empowers individuals to take ownership of their health. Rather than relying on external intervention, employees can track their progress, set personal goals, and engage in health-promoting behaviours that encourage self-management. This sense of control can significantly boost motivation, mental wellbeing, and physical health.
- Health Analytics for Teams: Beyond individual coaching, many digital wellbeing platforms offer valuable anonymous insights at a team or organisational level. By identifying trends from aggregated data insights, such as elevated levels of stress, burnout, or low physical activity, businesses can address issues before they affect productivity or employee long-term health. This data-driven approach ensures that decisions are grounded in facts, rather than assumptions, leading to more targeted interventions and better outcomes.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health is one of the most pressing challenges in the modern workplace. Issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout are common, yet they often go unaddressed until they become severe. ONS statistics show that of those currently on long term sickness in the UK, 53% report having depression or anxiety.
Digital services can provide a safe and anonymous space to access mental health resources and tools such as mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioural strategies, and stress management techniques.
By incorporating mental health support into a proactive wellbeing programme, employers can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage employees to seek help when they need it. This approach not only improves individual wellbeing but also fosters a workplace culture of openness, empathy, and support.
Building a Healthier, More Resilient Workforce
The goal of any proactive wellbeing programme is to create a culture where employees are healthy, resilient, and empowered to take control of their health. By offering ongoing, personalised support, organisations can help their employees manage their health more effectively, reducing the long-term costs associated with chronic conditions, improving overall employee wellbeing, and retaining employees for longer.
Grace Gimson is Cofounder and CEO of Holly Health.