NEW ORLEANS – Today’s multigenerational workforce has different needs and motivations. The daily stresses and health concerns that face a Generation X employee can be vastly different from those of a Millennial. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. At Humana, we have found that engaging each generation in wellness depends on how successfully you address their differences.
Here are some important things you need to know about today’s largest workforce generations – including some simple tips to drive engagement.
BABY BOOMERS (1946‐1964)
Baby Boomers in your workforce are likely to have a deep sense of loyalty and pride for theemployer they’ve served over the years and want the best for the company and its employees. They are thinking about retirement, and aspiring to live an active, healthy lifestyle that will allow them to enjoy their anticipated full‐time freedom. Baby Boomers reported the greatest increase in anxiety in 2018, mostly attributed to paying bills. They are mindful of the cost of doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses.
Tips for engaging in wellness
- Enlist Boomers to be active wellness influencers in your organization. Employers can make use of the Go365 Champ program that allows employees to champion wellness activities & member challenges. They gain the benefits of participation and the visibility as an advocate of the company.
- Offer a program that rewards Baby Boomers for taking gradual steps toward healthier living – taking a Health Assessment, learning about healthy food choices or walking the dog.
- Incorporate financial well‐being opportunities. The Go365 Employer Sponsored Events platform allows employers to create educational sessions or financial wellness initiatives, and attach Go365 rewards for employee participation.
GENERATION X (1965‐1978)
This generation is often called the “sandwich generation,” since many take care of both their parents and their children. Generation Xers are more likely than other
adults to say they are pressed for time – especially when it comes to cooking meals. While more than 50% of Gen Xers say they follow healthy habits, almost a third admit they struggle with weight, making it this generation’s number one health issue.
Tips for engaging in wellness
- Support wellness programs that are inclusive of employees and their families.
- Implement flexible hours one or two days a week to give employees the opportunity and convenience to exercise and prepare a healthy family dinner.
- Provide employees with access to a mobile app they can use to view progress, activity recommendations, and even keep a weekly food log while on the go.
GENERATION Y/MILLENNIALS (1979‐1997)
More than half of Millennials – now the largest workforce demographic in America – say that being physically fit is an important aspect of their health and wellness. Yet, as much as Millennials have a focus on wellness, 93% do not schedule preventative care visits and 42% are willing to cancel a check‐up appointment because of other priorities. Millennials are the generation most likely to be interested in friendly competitions. They also want to give back more than any other generations. 39% said that a company’s volunteer policy will influence their decision to apply.
Tips for engaging in wellness
- Encourage and generously reward members for yearly preventative health screenings and dental and vision exams.
- Offer a variety of work‐sponsored health challenges or start a sports league.
- Promote local charity walks and marathons – many wellness programs, like Go365, reward members for participation.
- Select a wellness program that’s easy to use and tech‐savvy, such as one that integrates wearable fitness devices and interactive dashboards.
To learn more about Humana’s employer group solutions, contact Rhonda Bagby, Humana Employer Group vice president, at rbagby@humana.com or (504) 219‐5058
