One of the most disengaging situations I can think of – is the idea that employees are paying with their health to build their wealth…. Only to use that wealth, later, to re-gain their health… Even worse… If I add the $300 billion in US losses from attempts to fix this, it really does make me feel a bit sick.
Engagement and wellness initiatives, as far as I see, get mixed together in all kinds of ways, with one promoting (or diminishing) returns in the other. And, just what kinds of returns are expected? The sakes are pretty high, really… Leaders expect a thriving business, full of thriving employees. Though, from what I’ve seen, the odds of seeing sustainable, big wins like that – may be worse than hitting the jackpot on a slot machine.
Read the whole post over at HRHardball (an FOT contributor blog).

John Whitaker (“Whit”) has been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years – pharma, device, biopharma, hospital, dental, and now anesthesiology – perhaps he should settle down somewhere? As EVP and Chief People Officer at National Partners in Healthcare, he’s helping to create the culture of a company that will improve the lives of anyone needing a surgical procedure.
Like most Texans, he loves to tell a story (especially those that include an armadillo or a poker game) and cutting through the chaff…don’t take it personal. So if you find yourself craving a down-home colloquialism, tune in for Whit’s monthly installment on FOT, connect on LinkedIn, or follow him @HR_Hardball.