Believe it. Techonology and 2012 wellness trends have taken off.  More than ever before, health care benefits matter more and rate highest among employees, for themselves and their families.  Should the benefits package matter less to employers?  Absolutely not, and there is new and less flattering backlash for employers that fail to connect and educate employees about their health benefits and preventive care.  Gone are the days of routine enrollment period jargon via intranet.

2012 wellness trends include an employer's ongoing innovative, enhanced communications about health benefits, and the introduction and offering of technology to employees to access preventive care education.  Employers must think out-of-the-box and find ways to engage employees; either by creating interactive websites and/or look to engage third party support from company's that provide techno-educational services.  From healthy-eating iphone apps, Aetna's mindbloom, Social Chocolate Super Better, and WIYLBOX in Second Life, these are 2012 wellness trends that are golden for employers and mark their commitment to good health; and, attract more cream of the crop employees, increase trust, loyalty and good feelings about the workplace.

Bottomline, winning employers will not be left behind with active participation to create environments to make change for positive impact on wellness for their employees and their families.  The big payoff is reduced costs for health care overall.

Makes sense!  Check out free-range communications 2012 co-health calendar and join the chats on 2012 Wellness Trends.

Happy, healthy New Year!