Let’s be honest: Most employee wellness programs aren’t working.
They look good on paper, but you’ve seen it firsthand—employees are disengaged, healthcare costs keep rising, and stress levels are out of control. If your wellness program feels like a checkbox exercise, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: There’s a better way.
What Makes Ovadia Heart Health Different?
“Too many wellness programs focus on managing disease rather than promoting real health,” says Dr. Philip Ovadia, founder of Ovadia Heart Health. And he should know. For years, Dr. Ovadia followed all the official health guidelines—low-fat diets, endless cardio, calorie counting—and he was still obese, even as a cardiac surgeon.
“I did everything right, but I was still fat,” he recalls. “Like so many others, I followed the advice we’ve all been taught: eat less, move more. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to metabolic health that everything changed. I lost 100 pounds and kept it off. That’s the approach we bring to employee wellness.”
The Real Reason Wellness Programs Fail
What’s the problem with traditional wellness programs? They focus on quick fixes—weight loss challenges, step contests, one-size-fits-all advice. These efforts might spark temporary interest, but they don’t address the root causes of poor health.
“The truth is, most programs out there are disease management disguised as wellness,” explains Krisna Hanks, Director of Employee Wellness at Ovadia Heart Health. “They don’t tackle metabolic health, the key to long-term wellness. You need more than step trackers and calorie counts to see real results.”
Here’s where most programs go wrong:
- Disease Management, Not Wellness: Many programs are run by insurance companies, focusing on managing chronic illnesses, not preventing them. According to Hanks, “They don’t go deep enough. They’re not looking at the root causes, like poor nutrition or stress management.”
- Lack of Personalization: Generic advice doesn’t work. “What works for one person may not work for another,” says Hanks. “That’s why our program takes a customized approach, focusing on each employee’s specific needs, from nutrition to mental well-being.”
- Passive Engagement: “The worst programs are passive—online modules that employees click through but never absorb,” says Dr. Ovadia. Ovadia Heart Health is different. They go on-site, work directly with employees, and deliver hands-on coaching. “It’s not just about education. It’s about real, practical tools that employees can use right away.”
The True Cost of Poor Metabolic Health
Poor metabolic health is not just an employee issue—it’s a business issue. As Dr. Ovadia points out in a recent article, 90% of U.S. healthcare costs stem from chronic illness, much of it linked to poor metabolic health. The impact of heart disease alone costs businesses a staggering $363 billion annually. It’s clear: poor health costs your business money, time, and productivity.
As a business owner, you’re not just managing your employees’ health. Your own health matters too. “You can’t run a business effectively when your metabolic health is struggling,” says Dr. Ovadia. “Your performance, focus, and energy suffer. And that has a trickle-down effect on your team, your customers, and your bottom line.”
The Ovadia Heart Health Solution
What makes Ovadia Heart Health’s Employee Wellness Program so effective? It’s built on three core principles:
- Metabolic Health Focus: The foundation of the program is metabolic health. “Most people don’t realize that poor metabolic health is the cause of many chronic conditions, from obesity to heart disease,” says Dr. Ovadia. “When you improve metabolic health, everything changes.”
- On-Site, Hands-On Engagement: The Ovadia team doesn’t hide behind screens. They meet employees where they are, literally. “We go on-site and interact with employees,” Hanks explains. “This makes it personal. Employees feel supported because we’re there, offering real solutions—not just sending emails.”
- Community and Support: Workplace wellness should be a group effort. “There’s power in peer-to-peer coaching,” says Hanks. “We help companies foster a supportive environment where employees encourage each other. This kind of community accelerates results.”
Concrete Ways to Improve Your Employees’ Health
Dr. Ovadia believes that business owners have more power than they think to change the status quo. Here are just a few of the actionable strategies Ovadia Heart Health offers to improve metabolic health for employees:
- Encourage Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Replace sugary snacks and processed foods in the breakroom with real, whole foods. “It’s a small shift, but it has a big impact,” says Dr. Ovadia.
- Promote Daily Movement: Standing desks, walking meetings, or short breaks for physical activity can transform a sedentary work culture.
- Build a Wellness Community: Create peer-to-peer support groups or team challenges that foster accountability and engagement.
- Address Mental Health and Stress: Chronic stress is a silent killer of metabolic health. Create a culture of open communication and respect to reduce workplace stress.
Why This Matters to Your Company Right Now
What’s in it for you? Sure, healthier employees mean lower healthcare costs. But there’s more.
Higher productivity. “When employees feel good, they perform better,” says Hanks. “They’re more creative, more enthusiastic, and more loyal.”
Loyalty and retention. People stay where they feel valued. A well-run wellness program isn’t just about cutting costs. It shows your team that you care. “It’s a long-term investment in your people,” says Dr. Ovadia. “And that pays off in retention and morale.”
A competitive edge. In today’s job market, attracting and retaining talent is tough. But a truly effective wellness program can set your company apart. “It’s a differentiator,” explains Hanks. “When employees see that their company cares about their health, it builds trust and loyalty.”
Take Action Now
If your wellness program isn’t driving results, it’s time to make a change. Ovadia Heart Health offers a comprehensive, personalized, and hands-on approach that delivers real, lasting results. This is not another quick-fix, one-size-fits-all program. It’s a real solution to the health challenges your employees face every day.
Are you ready to give your team the wellness program they deserve?
Interested in speaking with our Employee Wellness Director, Krisna Hanks, and Dr. Philip Ovadia about how we can develop a personalized plan to transform your company’s wellness? This is your chance to take action, improve your employees’ health, and boost your bottom line. Set up a call with Jeremiah and get started today. Your employees—and your bottom line—will thank you.
