5. What are the business benefits of Health Coaching? Will I see a reduction in absenteeism for example?
High health risks go hand-in-hand with productivity issues. At AXA PPP healthcare we work on a research backed model that shows how a reduction in health risks per employee can generate a ROI for employers. Health Coaching is targeted at the higher risk individuals who represent the most significant ROI for the organisation.
The challenge measuring the business benefit because, although there are established methodologies to calculate presenteeism it is then complex to put a productivity cost on different job roles. In short, the cost of measuring the benefit is greater than just doing the programme. Therefore AXA PPP healthcare have drawn on the scientific literature to calculate the time recovered from removing health risks and thereby set targets and deliverables for our programmes.
6. What results and successes have you seen so far through the implementation of health coaching with clients?
We see lower weight and healthy improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure. Our clients with Health Coaching have shown a reduction of around 3,340 health risks across 1,225 employees. This has had the added benefit of making these employees collectively 2,681 years younger.
AXA PPP healthcare Health Coaching figures (May 2017)
Health Coaching – experience is everything
It can be hard to quantify the value of a service like Health Coaching, but one way is by collecting feedback from those who have experienced the service. That’s why we thought you’d like to see how a referral to the Health Coaching Programme for one employee helped them realise a health goal they weren’t aware they had.
"… I turned up for my AXA ‘Know Your Numbers’ (KYN) appointment not really knowing what to expect, the assessment was completed by the health coach who was thorough and informative and this is where my 12 week AXA journey started.
During my initial assessment it was identified that my cholesterol was extremely high (8.7 and should be <5) and although it was recommended that I visit my GP we continued to discuss my current diet and lack of exercise, but the communication and support didn’t stop there. The following day I received a call from a dedicated Health Coach where we discussed potential incremental but sustainable life changes, set realistic goals (dietary & exercise) and follow up sessions.
During the next 12 weeks, the support and communication between the dedicated heath coach and myself was fundamental to the outcome. Every week I received an email to check that I was sticking to what had been agreed, how I was feeling and provide nutritional advice. In addition to the weekly contact, the health coach was always available if I had any questions and even provided detailed advice and guidance to my own cholesterol reducing research e.g. Beetroot Juice, Porridge, Hot Baths/Saunas and even Alcohol studies.
Six weeks in, reduced portion size, healthier meals, oily fish, fruit & veg rather than corporate cake time and light exercise (up to 30-60 mins per day) had started to pay dividend and my weight and cholesterol had reduced and now registering at 6.6. These results and the continued support from AXA made me even more determined.
Twelve week point, my cholesterol is at the lowest it’s ever (5.7) and is no longer a concern and has prevented me having to take Statins daily for the rest of my life. In addition I’ve lost 4cm from my waist, an acceptable BMI and feel great!
Overall the support during the 12 week programme has been outstanding, without the service provided by AXA and supported by my employer, my risk of heart attack or stroke would have continued to increase and who knows what would have happened.
Making realistic incremental life changes that can be maintained for the rest of your life, really could save your life."
AXA PPP healthcare member, 2017

DR CHRIS TOMKINS HEAD OF PROACTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
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Chris leads AXA PPP healthcare’s Proactive Health services, a ground-breaking approach to engaging populations and driving health behaviour change in a manner that is both inclusive and cost effective. His team consists of a unique combination of health experts, technologists and experienced e-commerce specialists.
Chris himself combines both business experience with his doctorate in molecular biology, giving him an understanding of and passion for solutions against the diverse range of risks created by modern lifestyles, including challenges such as diabetes and hypertension.
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