Health And Wellness In The WorkplaceHealth And Wellness In The Workplace

Armed with data, Company Wellness Program topic preferences and goals and objectives – and a Company Wellness Program Committee eager to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website provides tools to help you!  You can read about the various types of wellness programs available by other corporations to get an idea of what might work for your organization.  There are Statewide Resources listed along with national non-profit groups offering resources, and specific examples of resources available on various wellness topics.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

If your planning phase was well executed, you must simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Employee Health Promotion Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Worksite Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the importance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy regarding the responsibility to employee health and safety as well as specific policies such as No Smoking, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.
2. Communicate Your Program: The best planned program with great wellness programs won’t be advantageous if your workers don’t know about it or do not be aware of the options or how to participate.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to be sure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

   Workplace Wellness Program Communication Strategies might include:

   • Newsletter articles
   • Postings on the company’s intranet or internet
   • A designated Champion of the program
   • Formal or informal meeting to announce program, “the kick-off”
   • Flyers / pamphlets / brochures / table tents,
   • Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,
   • Email / phone messages,
   • Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Worksite Wellness Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to learn what most of us will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and motivate participation among workers.  Consider both formal or corporation rewards and incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Worksite Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s valuable to provide rewards and incentives that are enticing and meaningful to your workers.

   Formal Company Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Savings on employee healthcare insurance premiums or co-pays, or contributions to 401K programs, employee stock options, or other mechanisms.  
   
   Click here for more information on health plan incentive ideas
   
   • fitness center/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
   • Public transportation vouchers
   • Flexible work time options
   • “Wellness Days” off work  

   Rewards or Informal Worksite Health Promotion Program Incentives:

   • Cash – a very effective incentive!
   • Prize incentives/rewards such as gift certificates to heart-healthy restaurants; media player to use while working out, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would motivate your employees.
   • T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards

4. Review community resources available to support some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your employer medical care provider may be able to support  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing excellent wellness services for businesses.  They are available to assist you when strategizing and find the best options available.

5. Start your program as planned documenting information and outcomes as you go such as numbers of participants, dates of activities, and any other special details you are tracking.