IBM’s 6-point wellness program leans on tech prowess to generate engagement and results

IBM, one of the leading computer companies in the world, knows a thing or two about technology. So it makes sense that its award-winning employee wellness program “Live Well. Live Better.” uses a lot of technology.

IBM sees employee health as a pathway to high performance. It has an award-winning occupational safety program that began in 1967. Its current workplace wellness efforts date to the nineties. “Wellbeing is seen as a critical element of our success,” says Vice President of Health and Benefits Marianne McManus. “Belief and practices have to be embedded in the culture, and it starts with leadership.”

More than eight out of 10 IBM employees—the Armonk, New York-based company employs 350,000 workers globally—use some aspect of the wellness program. In a recent survey, 86% of workers reported being asked about their well-being by managers. “We take a very holistic approach and prefer evidence-based strategies and solutions,” McManus says. “We involve employees in the development of the programs. Co-creation is very big here.”

Some elements of IMB’s wellness programs include: