Good organizations are always looking for new ways to promote the health and well being of their employees and to provide them a healthy workplace, the prime reason why health coaching is receiving so much attention these days. Beyond improving the well being of your employees, it reduces the costs of healthcare benefits, lowers absenteeism, and usually contributes to a more upbeat workplace atmosphere.

A health coach is a professional, who has knowledge about health issues and can guide people about all manners of health issues from (his) training and personal experiences. Within an organization, (s)he works along with the employees, analyzing their health and assisting them in developing an individual health plan. To achieve this goal, it is very important for a health coach to develop a good relationship with the employees, based on trust and integrity.

The complexities of professional life can take a toll on the health of your employees, making them susceptible to various physical and mental issues. With the help of a health coach, your employees can combat those problems and better contribute to the success of your organization. A professional health coach will encourage your employees to make positive lifestyle changes deal with common issues, such as:

• Weight management
• Physical exercise
• Stress and fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Concentration issues

They can also act as a patient advocate, helping employees and/or their families get better quality health care, accompanying patients to medical appointments or counseling patients about Patient's Rights and what questions (s)he should ask the doctor.

A health coach can play a prominent role by improving the physical and psychological well being of your employees and enabling them to perform better in their professional roles. The relationship of an employee and a coach is based on alliance and collaboration. Rather than forcing an agenda, a good coach will try to involve the employees in promoting their self efficacy. This way, a health coach acts as a guide and a source of support to maximize their chances of achieving a balance in life.

The high costs associated with employee benefits, especially healthcare, are definitely a major concern of employers. However, providing a health coach will not only promote a better workplace environment, but often cut down the overall health costs as well, and it's not that expensive. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau statistics reported in 2010 that nationally, the salary for Wellness Coaches ranged from $23,443 - $61,928 a year.

Articles:
The Value of Health Coaches (.pdf)
Do You Need A Health Coach
Health and Wellness Coaching
Corporate & Business Integrative Health Coaching