Key Attributes of a Successful Onsite Health Center

Operating an onsite health center is a significant investment so it’s vital to make sure you have the right structure in place to ensure its success. We’ve been operating onsite health centers for more than a decade, and along the way have learned what elements are necessary to guarantee risk reductions, cost savings, and employee satisfaction.

Below are Some Features to Consider in Your Onsite Health Center

Executive Leadership

Participation in worksite wellness programs improves when expectations are set from the top down. Leadership should actively demonstrate support of innovative health programs and make sure that management, operations, and culture are aligned around health as an important business driver. It is critical for upper management to lead the way by providing clear direction and encouragement, including allowing employees adequate time and flexibility to take part in health services. Taking the opportunity to consistently recognize the efforts and progress of those who participate will also help establish positive morale and inspire others to join.

Dynamic Clinicians who Inspire and Lead

The most important aspect of guaranteeing a return on investment when operating an onsite health center is hiring the right clinical staff. When patients understand the choices that impact their health, they achieve their best possible health and lower costly health risks. The key to helping the employees assume greater responsibility and accountability for their own health is the ability of the healthcare professional to function as a coach. In addition to medical expertise, the core competencies and core behaviors of an ideal health coach include approachability, compassion, and listening skills, as well as being organized, action-oriented and driving for results. Whether the clinician is a physician, a nurse practitioner, or registered nurse, what matters most is that they have those core competencies.

Superior Account Management

Almost equally important as hiring the right clinical staff is having the right account management structure in place. Your provider should utilize a collaborative approach featuring: an account manager who takes full responsibility for the success of the health center(s) and is your dedicated point-of-contact; a clinical director, who works closely with the account manager to ensure excellence in patient care and satisfaction with clinical services; and a clinical support team who ensures that the highest quality standards are maintained.

Consistent Communication

A recent study by RAND Corp. on Workplace Wellness programs notes that only 60 percent of workers are aware of their organization’s wellness programs. In our experience, it’s best to work with employers to evaluate their culture and align custom communication materials with the most effective mediums. We begin with nine communication touchpoints during the initial implementation process, including a welcome package that consists of an introductory letter, program brochure, and site posters, as well as a program overview presentation, web pages, emails, and flyers. In this way, we help to effectively educate the employee base on new programs, success stories, and incentives. Communication strategies are regularly audited to ensure that the population is successfully reached.

Providing adequate resources for individuals to uphold healthy behaviors in the workplace is crucial for building a successful onsite health center. Contact us to learn more about our model of care and how we can help your organization achieve its goals.