Posted by Health Handouts | Posted in Health Handouts, Health Tips | Posted on 12-07-2009
Armed with data, Workplace Wellness Program topic preferences and goals – and a Workplace Wellness Program Committee rearing 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 provided by other organizations to get an idea of what might work for your business. There are Statewide Resources listed along with national non-profit groups offering resources, and particular examples of resources available on various wellness issues. In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!
If your planning phase was properly executed, you ought to simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.
Important Workplace Wellness Program considerations include:
1. Formally Introduce the Worksite Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program. Examples include a general policy concerning 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 will not be constructive if your workers don’t know about it or do not be aware of the options or how to take part. Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to ensure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!
Employee Health Promotion Program Communication Strategies could 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 Corporate Wellness Program Incentives: You will be amazed to find out what people will do for a free T-shirt. Incentives can both support and innervate participation among staff members. Consider both formal or company incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Corporate Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s valuable to offer incentives that are enticing and meaningful to your staff members.
Formal Workplace Health Promotion Program Incentives:
• Discounts 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
• gym/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
• Public transportation vouchers
• Flexible work time options
• “Wellness Days” off work
Rewards or Informal Worksite Wellness Program Incentives:
• Cash – a most effective incentive!
• Prize incentives and rewards such as gift certificates to healthy restaurants; media player to use while exercising, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would arouse your staff members.
• T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards
4. Assess area resources available to provide some of the wellness services. The local health department or your company healthcare provider may be able to support you with this information. There are also vendors throughout the State offering excellent wellness services for organizations. They are available to assist you when strategizing and find the best options available.
5. Launch 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.