12 Questions To Ask During Your Next Wellness Platform Demo

Whether you’re exploring wellness programs for the first time or are a seasoned veteran looking for something different, choosing a new employee wellness platform can be a daunting task.

Before you set aside hours of time for demos, you can streamline the discovery process by preparing a list of key questions to ask prospective vendors. These questions can be used to help clarify what each fitness and health platform offers and understand whether they are a good fit for your organization.

Wellness is a one-size-fits-one solution. By doing your due diligence up front, you’ll be sure to end up with a solution that best meets your group’s health and well-being goals.

1. Which dimensions of health and wellness does the platform address?

   Wellness encompasses so much more than physical activity, so it’s important to look for a vendor that addresses a wide range of health and well-being topics. Furthermore, every organization has its own unique goals and areas of wellness that they wish to focus on (e.g., supporting mental health, reducing stress, increasing financial well-being, etc.). Check if your chosen health and wellness vendor is experienced in providing content that specifically targets the goals of your organization.

2. Is there a mobile app?

   Look for a wellness platform that is accessible via mobile app and web browser. If a mobile app is available, make sure that it works with both iPhone and Android devices and can be downloaded globally, if your organizational is multi-national. Ask to see a demo of the mobile app and web browser to confirm that all features and functionality are available for both options.

3. How do employees track their progress?

   Your employees are likely already using their preferred app or device to track their workout routines or nutrition habits. With so many different consumer technologies (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, etc.), it’s critical that your next digital wellness platform syncs with these major apps and devices.

   Individuals without a smartphone or wearable device will require alternative ways of engaging with the wellness platform that don’t rely on these technologies. Ask about a manual tracking option so that all users can experience the benefits of the wellness program, regardless of their access to technology.

4. How customizable is the platform?

   Look for a well-being platform that allows you to structure all aspects of a program to best fit the needs and culture of your group. Key features include the ability to brand the platform to your company, customize communications, and incorporate organization-specific events and activities.

5. What are the options to reward and recognize employees?

   Most successful wellness programs offer participants rewards or prizes to incentivize engagement. Since goals, objectives, and budgets differ significantly with each organization, make it a point to evaluate the range of reward and prize options that each vendor supports.

6. What is the pricing structure?

   Don’t waste time evaluating software that is too expensive for your budget. Look for flexible pricing models that offer both per user and per eligible employee options. Ask about options for one-time events as well as ongoing subscriptions, and make sure that there are no hidden fees associated with the program.

7. What level of support is offered?

   Confirm the split of roles and responsibilities between your team and the vendor. Determine if a dedicated Account Manager will continue to support you after implementation. On the user side, ask about the support options for employees. Check if employees can get in touch with the wellness vendor’s support team.

8. What user data is collected and how is it secured?

   Data privacy and cybersecurity should be top of mind for any health and wellness vendor that collects employee data. Ask for the specific data elements captured for each employee. You’ll want to determine if employees will be asked to share clinical data or protected health information. Check if the vendor can provide a privacy policy that demonstrates compliance with data privacy regulations.

9. What reports are available?

   To truly understand the value of investing in a digital wellness program, you’ll need to see the numbers. Look for a system that provides you with real-time access to customizable reports. Make sure that all reports are easily accessible and exportable.

10. How long will implementation take?

    It is important to be clear about implementation timelines, roles, and responsibilities. Check what information the health and wellness vendor needs from your team to get started with the process. Determine how much time will be spent on wellness program planning and design versus promotion and user registration.

11. Is there a free trial?

    Does the wellness platform live up to the hype from the demo? Ask to see for yourself! Free trials are a great way to better understand the look, feel, and functionality of the well-being platform and system(s) that you are evaluating. Ask if you can invite a few colleagues as well. It’s helpful to have feedback from multiple users.

12. What separates you from other vendors?

    Each vendor will likely offer something that makes it unique or separates it from the competition. Use this information to determine which system best aligns with your company’s wellness goals and requirements.

A productive demo is a two-way street. A great salesperson will ask thoughtful questions during the discovery process to learn more about your specific goals. In return, you will have a checklist to ensure that you are receiving the most relevant and helpful information about the services and capabilities of each health and wellness vendor.