Wellness In a Nutshell: The Elevator Pitch

Some can describe what they do in just one word: teacher, doctor, plumber. Everyone knows what a plumber does -- but a corporate wellness provider? That usually requires explanation, and if you're meeting someone for the first time, it's easy to get tongue-tied.

Kevin Daum, writing for Inc., describes the three musts of a good "elevator pitch":

• Connect with empathy
• Offer an objective solution
• Provide differentiation

Even if you're not in sales, you'll probably have to describe what corporate wellness is and why it works. Daum's formula makes it a snap. Here's my version:

You know how some employees never utter a kind word about the company they work for? They're like Old Faithful, spewing negativity loudly and often. We call these people "disengaged," and they're a serious problem for companies today. They're unproductive, and they erode the morale of everyone around them. To fight this trend, companies need some way to communicate the opposite message -- "We care about our employees!" -- loud and clear. Wellness programs do that by offering services that have a direct positive impact on employees' lives: biometric screenings, health coaching, and educational opportunities. It's a benefit employees truly appreciate.

So what's your wellness elevator speech? How do you explain what employee wellness is and why it's important?