Choosing a provider for your company’s wellness programme can be a daunting process. Over the past few years, demand for these services has surged. The trend was accelerated by the pandemic and the needs of the then newly remote-working population. The resulting market is saturated with options, offering live classes, virtual classes, pre-recorded classes, app-based coaching, and more. As we enter our sixth year in business, our team has more than a passing familiarity with the steps involved.
The consultation should be a two-way discovery process, where the provider takes the time to understand your brief, as well as your motivations, experiences, and concerns. The provider should also be able to answer any questions you have about who they are and how they work, and help you make the case for the investment to stakeholders at your company. Below we outline the key things to consider when choosing a provider.
Define Your Goals
Determine your company’s specific needs and goals for implementing a corporate wellbeing programme. This will help narrow down the options and ensure that the provider can adequately meet your needs. What is motivating you to implement a programme? Have you offered anything like this at your company in the past, and how was it received? How would you describe your company’s culture and demographics?
Compare the Market
Research and compare different corporate wellbeing providers, including their services, programmes, and pricing. Many providers offer a complimentary discovery call or consultation – take advantage of this to get to know their offering better.
Consider Reputation
Look for providers with a proven track record of success and positive feedback from clients. Check their Trustpilot reviews and Google reviews.
Ask for references and speak with other companies that have used the provider to get a sense of their experience and results. Referrals from existing clients can be a great way to get recommendations as well. The Office Yoga Company runs a referral programme which rewards both parties with a discount on their next booking.
Test for Compatibility
Consider the provider’s flexibility and ability to customise a programme to fit your company’s unique needs and culture. Can they offer virtual sessions, in-person sessions in your city, and hybrid sessions (office sessions with a live-stream for those working from home)? If you don’t have meeting room space in your office, can they offer their sessions off-site or at their own studio?
Check Ease of Communication
Consider the provider’s availability and responsiveness to your company’s needs, as well as their level of support and guidance throughout the programme. How long does it take to get a response from someone on the team? Will there be a main point of contact throughout?
Look for Authenticity
Choose a provider that aligns with your company’s values and mission, and is committed to helping your employees achieve their wellbeing goals. Check their About page to see if their core values resonate. Subscribe to their newsletter or follow their social media accounts to see if you enjoy their content.
Ready to Start?
We hope these tips have provided some good jumping-off points for beginning your research. At The Office Yoga Company, we provide pre-built corporate wellness programmes, mat- and desk-based yoga and Pilates as well as corporate wellness workshops (classes with keynote presentations) on a variety of topics: breathwork, mindfulness, posture, self-care, moving more at your desk, and stress relief. We can offer these sessions in person to offices in London Zones 1-2, or virtually via your preferred conferencing software. To date we have worked with 10,000+ office workers from hundreds of companies in 68 countries around the world. Book a free discovery call with one of our friendly team to find out more about how we can support your efforts.