A prevention-first approach that lowers claims, reduces GLP-1 dependency, and lifts staff morale
Hospital systems are not just employers – you’re leaders in healthcare. Yet even within your own walls, you face many of the same challenges as other large organizations: rising insurance costs, growing medications and GLP-1 usage, obesity-related claims, and burnout among staff.
And nowhere is this more visible than among nurses and frontline healthcare workers.
When I was in my clinical rotations during my dietetics internship, I spent sixteen weeks in an acute care hospital. I expected to see wellness modeled everywhere – nutritious food options in the cafeteria, patients receiving truly connected care, and providers who reflected the health they were promoting.
What I found was eye-opening. Many nurses worked through breaks to care for patients, grabbing quick snacks or energy bars just to get by. Conversations in the hallways often revealed exhaustion, stress, and a quiet sense of being stretched too thin. It wasn’t neglect or lack of effort – it was the reality of a system running at full speed, with little room for self-care.
That experience shaped how I see healthcare today – not with judgment, but with compassion and a deep belief that we can do better.
The reality for nurses and frontline teams
Long shifts, rotating schedules, and high-stress environments take a toll on both physical and mental health.
- Cafeteria offerings often default to quick, high-calorie grab-and-go meals
- Limited time for breaks means many staff skip meals or rely on vending machine snacks
- Irregular sleep schedules lead to fatigue, weight gain, and higher risk for chronic conditions
This is why more hospitals are reimagining employee wellness programs – focusing on nurse wellness, shift worker support, and burnout prevention strategies that truly fit their workplace reality.
Why hospital employee wellness programs often fall short
Most hospital systems already offer some version of employee wellness – fitness stipends, EAP programs, gym discounts, or diet apps. But these programs often fail to create meaningful change because they:
- Lack integration with the hospital environment – they don’t connect with cafeterias, schedules, or internal workflows
- Miss the realities of shift work – most advice isn’t designed for 12-hour shifts or unpredictable breaks
- Overlook holistic needs – focusing on diet or exercise alone while neglecting stress, sleep, and recovery
- Fail to sustain engagement – participation fades once a challenge ends or after initial sign-ups
The ROI of whole-person care in hospital systems
Hospitals that take a broader approach to wellness – one that extends beyond physical health – are seeing measurable results:
- Lower claims costs for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension
- Reduced dependency on GLP-1 medications through lifestyle change support
- Higher staff retention and improved morale
- A culture of wellness that aligns with the hospital’s mission to care for others
When employee wellness is built for the realities of hospital life, it becomes more than a benefit – it becomes a reflection of the organization’s values and leadership.
Alterra Health makes it simple
Hospital systems have a unique opportunity to lead by example – showing patients, staff, and their communities that wellness goes beyond fitness challenges or gym discounts.
With easy-to-follow programs, guided education, and community events that drive engagement and motivation, all while giving employees the flexibility to access what they need, when they need it.
Alterra Health powers wellness for leading clubs and healthcare organizations
🚀 Schedule a call to see how our wellness programming can help your organization generate additional revenue and deliver an unrivaled member experience.
Implementing Alterra Health is a breeze with options to integrate directly within your existing apps and platforms.