The rising popularity of health coaching does not always signal a quick return on investment for individual organizations that include wellness programs (http://www.myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8038) among their employee health (http://myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8038#1) benefits.
Engagement -- not mere participation -- is the key to success. Industry data shows that companies can help ensure engagement by incorporating at least four foundational factors, according
to Hummingbird Coaching Services.
Engagement in Wellness Programs: Definitions, Evolution and Key Factors (http://www.myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8038) is a new white paper available for download from Sean Slovenski, chief
executive officer of Hummingbird Coaching Services. Slovenski says that convenience, increased interactions from that convenience, motivation and the use of Positive Psychology (http://myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8057) will greatly increase employee engagement and success in the health coaching
program.
Convenience
Employees are much more likely to be engaged and make meaningful lifestyle choices when they can easily connect with their health coaches. Chatting via instant message or composing an
email is much easier than sticking to scheduled phone calls or personal meetings. Organizations that incorporate online communications in their health coaching initiatives will do much to
increase engagement.
Increased Interactions from Convenience
Interaction dramatically increases for employees who work with an online health coach -- three to four times per month, compared to five to seven phone calls a year in a phone based
program. Research and common sense shows the more interaction, the more accountability and greater likelihood of success.
Motivation
Engagement is less likely when health coaching interactions do not match the individual's readiness to change. Successful behavior change leans heavily on motivation. A health coaching
program that employs techniques that assess human motivation and the person's "readiness to change" will increase adherence and realization of goals.
Use of Positive Psychology
Being able to identify and leverage their strengths to change behavior and achieve goals empowers employees. Such an approach removes the shame or stigma that may be linked with an
unhealthful behavior or condition and provides tools for real change.
Further information on engagement is available in Hummingbird's white paper for download at http://www.myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8038 and visitors can listen to the accompanying podcast as well at http://www.myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8870.
About Hummingbird Coaching Services
Cincinnati-based Hummingbird Coaching Services is a pioneer in online health coaching (http://myhealthcoach.com/default.aspxtabid=8052), providing health coaching services since 1997. Using its proprietary coaching model
and online delivery platform, Hummingbird provides coaching services to businesses and celebrities such as Google, Motorola, United Behavioral Healthcare, Leeza Gibbons, and the Muhammad
Ali Center. Through its innovative technology platform and coaching programs, Hummingbird provides health, parenting and life coaching to drive real behavior change in individuals. More
information is at www.hummingbirdcoaching.com.
Contact:
Jay Singer
Hummingbird Coaching Services
jay.singer(at)hummingbirdcoaching.com
877-240-4588
Sean Slovenski
Hummingbird Coaching Services
Sean.Slovenski(at)hummingbirdcoaching.com
877-240-4588
This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed
above.