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Building an Effective Employee Well-Being Program: What Matters Most Dear Connecticut Business Community, A s employers compete for talent to improve productivity, comprehensive employee well-being programs have become a critical business strategy rather than just an added benefit. Organi- zations that prioritize employee well-being often see measurable improvements in employee engagement, retention, and overall workforce health, according to research from Gallup. Preventive care, mental health resources, care navigation, and personalized support can help employees stay healthier while reducing long-term healthcare costs for employers. A healthier workforce also contributes to fewer absences, stronger morale, and improved performance across teams. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield works closely with employers to design smarter, more responsive benefits that help improve health outcomes, support organizational well-being, and lower costs. Our approach focuses on supporting physical, behavioral, and social well-being through integrated health solutions designed to meet employees where they are. By combining data-driven insights, personalized outreach, digital tools, and incentives, we help employers create a more connected and supportive healthcare experience for their employees. A successful employee well-being strategy is built on several core elements: Encouraging preventive care Many employees delay routine exams, screenings, or vaccinations because of time constraints, uncertainty around benefits, or lack of motivation. Anthem's Well-being Solutions programs are designed to help remove those barriers by making preventive care easier to access and rewarding employees for taking healthy actions. Employees can earn incentives for completing activities such as annual wellness exams, flu shots, cancer screenings, health assess- ments, and condition management programs. Internal Anthem studies have shown that employees offered incentives are significantly more likely to complete preventive care activities and participate in health management programs. Offering mental health support Stress, burnout, anxiety, and sleep challenges affect employee well-being and productivity. It's important to under- stand and leverage the mental health support options available through your health plan so you can better communi- cate those with your employees. For instance, Anthem offers programs and resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), digital cognitive behavioral therapy tools, wellness coaching, and emotional well-being resources that employees can access anytime. These programs help employees feel supported while reducing the stigma around seeking help. Improving healthcare experiences with technology Employees often struggle to understand their benefits, find care, compare costs, or navigate treatment options. Anthem addresses these challenges through digital tools like our Sydney Health app and Anthem Health Guides. These resources help employees access benefits information, connect with care providers, review claims, compare healthcare costs, and receive personalized support. Health Guides offer concierge-style assistance, helping employees navigate complex healthcare situations with greater confidence while reducing frustration and confusion. For employers, the value of these solutions extends beyond employee satisfaction. Personalized guidance and early intervention can improve health outcomes and help avoid more serious and costly conditions over time. Anthem uses advanced analytics and proactive outreach to identify opportunities for preventive care and coordinated treatment support. This approach helps employees make informed healthcare decisions while helping employers manage rising healthcare costs. Organizations that invest in whole health and well-being will be better positioned to attract and retain talent while supporting long-term business success. Employee well-being programs are no longer optional — they are an essential part of building a healthier future for employees and employers alike. Our Anthem team can help you find solutions that work best for your business. In good health, Lou Gianquinto President Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JUNE 1, 2026 B7