Whole person health solutions are no longer just workplace perks — they’re critical to employee success

July 12, 2024

If you regularly rotate the tires on your car yet never change the oil, you’ll eventually have a problem. The same is true if you drive every day on streets full of potholes. As obvious as that sounds, when it comes to maintaining personal health and the wellbeing of a company’s workforce, some people forget that all the parts must be well cared for to navigate the roads as safely as possible.

Whole person health recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, and that one influences the other. Employers, doctors, insurance companies and other partners are increasingly supporting both aspects of health simultaneously and holistically. More than ever, it’s critical for these key stakeholders to work together on comprehensive solutions that meet the diverse needs of individuals and understand the many social and economic drivers of health.

“In today’s dynamic business landscape, investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just a perk, it’s a must,” says Dr. Craig Hersh, vice president and chief medical officer for commercial business at Florida Blue. It’s why Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, has innovative products and whole-person health solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses across Florida and its workers.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults experiences some kind of mental illness each year, and people with depression are 40% more likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic diseases like diabetes. This highlights how critical it is to have fully integrated care programs that address total health.

Employees experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to miss workdays and report decreased productivity. “Burnout, employer turnover and retention are real challenges, and we know the more we invest in employees’ wellbeing, the more invested they are in their work,” says Hersh.

Attainable whole person care in the workplace

It's not just what we’re doing to take care of ourselves and each other, it’s also how we go about it. Employees want to be heard and respected, and empathy should be part of care plans. “Instead of treating only a specific condition or illness, doctors, employers and insurance companies must listen to employees' needs and concerns and develop tailored efforts that promote prevention, wellness and resilience.”

Many of Florida Blue’s innovative care programs are cost-effective and, in some cases, they are available at no additional cost, so they’re beneficial and sustainable for businesses. These include health screenings, smoking cessation programs, behavioral health support, digital health coaching, rewards for healthy habits — plus, care navigators and social workers available online, over-the-phone or in person. All of this fosters a culture of loyalty, value and support among employees.

Addressing determinants of health, like education, housing and nutrition is also part of whole-person care. “There are too many inequities in our communities, and we must address these factors to help improve everything that drives health,” Hersh says. This includes ensuring someone without transportation can get to the doctor or providing food to a colleague who lives in a neighborhood without a grocery store. This comprehensive approach — that considers medical, emotional, social and financial support — collectively drives overall wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

Beyond physical wellbeing

Florida Blue’s products, benefits and other personalized health solutions increasingly focus on total care and recognize that physical and mental health issues such as pain and depression are often associated with chronic illness like diabetes or Parkinson’s. So, whole-person care also includes screening for, and then treating any mental health concerns that can arise when someone’s physical health worsens, and vice-versa.

“Research shows that diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions can improve overall wellbeing, in addition to reducing a patient’s medical costs,” Hersh adds.

This concept of whole-person health has evolved far beyond just physical wellbeing. The understanding that mental, emotional and social factors significantly impact overall health and wellness has led to a paradigm shift that is driving better outcomes for communities at large. By fostering healthier individuals, businesses and their employees can experience reduced health care costs, increased productivity and improved overall quality of life.

Learn more about Florida Blue.

Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, has been providing health solutions to residents of Florida for nearly 80 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than six million members and all 67 Florida counties. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with more than 9,000 employees, it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information visit floridablue.com. For the latest news and content, visit the Florida Blue Newsroom, and follow Florida Blue on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @florida.blue; and X (formerly Twitter) @FLBlue.