Employee Spotlight: Randy Thompson

Randy Thompson, Director, Vice President, Business Development – West

Meet Randy Thompson. As the Vice President of Business Development, West, Randy is responsible for bringing Kii Health’s market-leading navigated healthcare solutions to organizations in Western Canada. Randy works with his team to develop business plans across all lines of business and leverage our network of prospects, brokers/advisors, and carrier relationships to support business development.

1. In your conversations with HR leaders and employers, what are some of the top challenges they are navigating in today’s environment?

One of the top challenges HR leaders and employers are navigating today is how to attract, develop, and retain talent in a highly competitive and evolving workforce landscape. At the same time, they’re under pressure to manage rising benefit costs and demonstrate a clear return on investment. Organizations that prioritize employee health and wellness not only support their workforce, but they also see the impact in the form of higher engagement, better retention, and a more productive, satisfied team.

At Kii Health, we work closely with benefit consultants, group insurers, and organizations to ensure they understand the strategic value of our solutions in supporting employee health and wellness without compromising budget realities. Our integrated approach combines expert healthcare navigation, cutting-edge technology, and best-in-class clinical care. This allows us to deliver a seamless experience that supports both organizational goals and the well-being of employees, helping employers stay competitive while truly investing in their people.

2. Why do you think integrated health and wellness solutions—like EFAP, mental health coaching, disability management, etc.—are so important for organizations right now? What do you think sets our approach apart in a crowded health and wellness marketplace?

Organizations are looking to partner with providers who can support their overall health and wellness needs. They look to build long-term relationships and entrust the professionals they choose to work with. Kii Health offers the most comprehensive set of workplace health and wellness solutions. Our integrated, evidence-based approach to employee health and wellness ensures that when individuals reach out for support, they are directed to the right solution quickly and efficiently. Faster access to better care maximizes positive outcomes for clients and ensures that those who need help are receiving the best care available. This approach of having Kii Health Navigators to guide employees through their healthcare journey is truly unique in the marketplace.

3. Is there a piece of advice or insight you often share with clients who are just starting to build or refine their workplace wellness strategy?

I usually advise clients to start slow and build on their programs. Invest the time early to identify your cost drivers and then let us help you build custom programs that will deliver the desired outcomes. I think having buy-in at the executive level is also super important. This ensures the program will be supported and have the best odds for success. From my experience, we see higher utilization and engagement among employees when their executives are actively engaged in their wellness programs. For example, a written or video communication from the President/CEO describing the benefits of the program(s) and encouraging participation will increase engagement and promote a culture of wellness throughout the organization. We also see increased engagement with managers in terms of supporting their employees’ health and productivity.

4. What does supporting employee health and well-being mean to you personally?

I have been working in mental health my whole career and have personally been dealing with a life-threatening illness for the past five years. I have had to rely on my organization for support and deal with the healthcare system, which can be challenging. I also deal with mental health issues as a result of my illness, and from what I’ve seen, organizations are not always well prepared to deal with such issues. To have an organization that fully supports you, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the available resources within your organization and your community, is life-changing. I have experienced firsthand how having support and guidance through your healthcare journey can greatly impact a person’s state of mind.

5. How do you think workplace needs are evolving when it comes to health and wellness support?

More and more organizations, big or small, are beginning to understand their responsibility in keeping their employees safe and productive. There’s a long way to go, and most rely on the expertise of an organization like Kii Health to advise and recommend effective programs to support the health and wellness of their employees. I am driven to ensure Kii Health is at the top of that list!