How to reach across the generational gap in wellness

Let’s face it: millennials have a bad reputation in the workforce.  Often labeled as entitled, impatient, and always multitasking, millennials are seeking a “work-life” balance (often with most of the emphasis on life!). But as our workforce continues to age, millennials are here to stay. And employers with a wellness program are now tasked with designing a program that meets the unique needs of a multigenerational workforce.

A 20-something worker just out of college has different priorities and health risks than someone who has been in the workforce for several decades, and most wellness programs don’t have extra room in their budgets to offer programs that appeal to each generation.  So, how do you do it?

Here are some of the ways that we can reach all generations with our wellness programming:

• Play to your strengths – Each generation comes with unique talents and strengths – take advantage of that!  While Baby Boomers can be classified as workaholics, they are also fiercely competitive and loyal.  Generation X are results-oriented and millennials also tend to be team-oriented.  How can you blend these characteristics into a singular wellness program offering, like a Drink More Water Challenge?  Allow your employees the ability to create teams! Offering a team component allows you to tap into your employees’ strengths in a positive way.
• Let participants choose communication style preference – When you get home after a long day, do you want to receive a postcard, email, phone call or text?  Allowing participants to select their communication style preference allows us to personalize our communication pieces in a way that feels right.  Employees will be more invested in absorbing the information if they specify their preferences upfront.
• Use technology to your advantage – Do you have the infrastructure to push out multi-media communication pieces?  Are your social media sites integrated with your wellness program?  Let us help you develop a communication strategy that WORKS. As mentioned in our “Key components of online wellness programs” post, we have knowledge and expertise in online learning modules.

Do you have a unique situation at your workplace that you’d like to talk with us about?  We’d love to brainstorm and share different strategies that have worked with some of our clients. Click here to get in touch with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!