A Wellness coach is a health and wellness professional who works with individuals to support positive behavioral change through advocacy, education, and motivation. The coaching model centers around a collaborative and non-judgmental partnership with an advocate that is trained to be a support system.
MHN’s personalized wellness coaching program provides additional support to employees who want to make healthy changes. The program includes weekly phone or virtual sessions that are designed to fit into busy schedules. Employees work with their coaches to develop a plan, set attainable goals and receive the support and resources they need to reach those goals. The program also connects employees to resources on and off campus that can help them make healthy choices.
Health coaches use a broad range of techniques to promote positive behavior change, including motivational interviewing, self-determination theory and social cognition theories. They may also draw from applied psychology and health disciplines. They are uniquely qualified to provide a holistic perspective of wellness that is focused on sustainable and lasting change, as opposed to short-term fixes.
A common reason employers offer health and wellness coaching services is to boost employee morale and engagement. When people feel energized and motivated, they are more productive at work. In addition, they are less likely to be absent from the office due to illness or burnout.
Often, the most effective way to improve your employee’s health is to encourage them to take control of their own wellbeing by helping them establish and maintain healthy routines. The benefits of these lifestyle changes extend beyond the workplace, into their personal lives and beyond, helping them to become healthier, happier and more resilient.
Many wellness programs involve biometric screening, and MHN’s wellness coaching program can be a valuable tool to help employees understand their results. Our coaching programs are seamlessly integrated with the screening and give employees access to a personal coach who can help them navigate the biometric data, establish a baseline for their health and monitor their progress over time.
Our wellness programs provide a variety of coaching options, from individual sessions to small group workshops and webinars. To find the right fit for your organization, contact our Client Experience team.
If you’re considering health and wellness coaching for your employees, you should first consider your goals and priorities, as well as the different approaches that are available. It’s also a good idea to speak with friends, family or colleagues who have used health and wellness coaches in the past. This can give you a sense of what to expect and how a particular approach might resonate with your audience.
Once you’ve done a bit of research and have interviewed several potential health and wellness coaches, it’s time to choose one that feels like the best match for your needs. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable and supported by the coach you choose. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time working with them!