Making a case for the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to your employees or potential participants is an important part of developing a successful wellness program. You want to encourage a high level of participation, and that often begins with a presentation designed to generate interest and answer questions. Consider these four simple steps for success at your next HRA rollout presentation.
Explain the benefits of participation
First, let your employees know the benefits of completing an HRA. Help them understand how the HRA will help identify their current health risks and give them practical advice for reducing those risk factors. Employees also need to know what kind of incentives will be tied to participating in the program.
Address questions and concerns
Second, address your participants' questions and concerns about the HRA and how the information will be used. Assure them that your company follows all HIPAA regulations and privacy laws and does not share their information with anyone. Let participants know that the wellness program administrator is the only person who will have access to their personal data, and that the administrator can only use this information in accordance with HIPAA. Explain what that means. Provide consent/confidentiality forms for participants to sign. Consider developing a list of Frequently Asked Questions for your participants. Hand it out or post it on your website.
Describe the tools available
Third, explain any follow-up programs and available tools to help participants benefit the most from completing the HRA. Describe the value of the personal report provided after completing the HRA. Let participants know about the specific programs, online tools, and interventions available that may be of interest to them based on their risk factors.
Provide a timeline
Finally, inform potential participants of the timeframe for completing the HRA, any biometric screening, and redeeming rewards. Provide dates, times, and locations. Make sure your participants know what to expect from start to finish.
On a final note, whether you are holding employee meetings to present the HRA or talking to participants individually, always be positive. Help participants recognize that completing the HRA and participating in the wellness program is really a valuable benefit to them. And it doesn't hurt to publish how much is being spent on their behalf to provide the program.
