Why Most Wellness Programs Don’t Deliver (and How to Ensure Yours Does)

Hello Friends,

If you’ve ever wondered why your company’s wellness program isn’t moving the needle, you’re not alone. The reality is, 68% of workplace wellness initiatives just don’t deliver real results. But here’s the exciting part: that means forward-thinking organizations (like yours) have a genuine opportunity to stand out by doing things differently. Let's take a quick dive into design, planning and communication.

Let’s get real about what doesn’t work:

• Cookie-cutter programs nobody connects with

• Minimal leadership involvement (if leaders don’t care, why should anyone else?)

• Spotty communication. A few launch emails then… crickets

• No plan to measure and improve

• Treating wellness as an optional perk, not a strategic priority

But here’s the great news: The best programs dig deeper and this is what VirtuClinic does:

• Custom-built and informed by real-time data

• Enthusiastically involve leaders to be Evangelists in walking the talk

• Communicate consistently (think regular check-ins, success stories, not just reminders)

• Driven by data - measuring, reporting, and optimizing as they go

• Embedded in the company’s DNA (my personal favorite), not just an HR checkbox

Here’s a framework that our team uses to help organizations get extraordinary results (feel free to use it or reach out and let's chat on how we can help you build a successful program):

1. Assess what your team actually needs, not what’s trendy.

2. Align wellness with business goals. Better health, yes, but also retention, engagement, cost control.

3. Implement boldly - make it visible and positive.

4. Measure what matters ex: participation, outcomes, ROI.

5. Never stop refining. The most successful programs are living, breathing things.

When you get this right, the results are remarkable:

• Up to 400%+ ROI (yes, really!)

• 75%+ participation

• Up to 25% lower healthcare costs

• 40% better employee retention

It’s not about having the flashiest app or swag. It’s about executing well. Every. Single. Day. 

What’s your wellness story going to be? If you feel that health and wellness are important, live the values of your organization.

In health,

Matthew Jubelius, RN

#WellnessPrograms #EmployeeHealth #VirtuClinic #BusinessResults

About the Author: Matthew is a CPHR (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta) member with 20+ years of experience in healthcare, leadership, management, and occupational health and safety. As the Clinical Director for VirtuClinic, Matthew leads the team in transforming workplace wellness, employee health education, and WCB access. VirtuClinic partners with organizations across Alberta to enhance employee wellbeing and drive measurable business outcomes. Matthew’s approach bridges healthcare expertise with HR priorities. Have questions? Let’s chat.