Archive for August, 2009
Employer Wellness : Business Wellness Becomes CEO Delimma – How to Reduce Workplace Health Expenses
The Partnership for Prevention was formed to encourage Fortune 1000 employers to consider making workforce health a CEO issue and adopt strategies to encourage prevention and wellness. Following several years of double-digit rate increases for health care insurance, employers are realizing that one of the best ways to slow the cost increases is to have [...]
Employer Wellness : Employee Wellness Program Ideas: More Wellness Topics and Ideas
A listing of potential wellness topics and ideas not previously mentioned follows. Take some time to “think tank and brainstorm” new ideas with your own internal employee Corporate Health Promotion Program Committee.
Nutrition Category
• Low-fat campaign/food groups
• Team salad bars
• Vending machine changes
• Diet analysis by a dietician
• Produce on parade
• Eating disorder support group
• Restaurant [...]
Employer Wellness : Workplace Wellness Program Ideas: Safety and Wellness
Other departments within a corporation will likely focus on related areas of employee safety and injury prevention. Wellness activities are a natural partner to many other human resource, employee motivation, and safety programs. Body mechanics, ergonomics, and safe working practices are three areas which may be coordinated together.
• Soft Tissue Sprains & Strains: This injury [...]
Employer Wellness : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Holiday Activities
Tying wellness activities into holiday themes is a plan commonly used to create interest and participation. Nevertheless, be aware that offering holiday activities in the worksite can create concerns. Your worksite may have policies and standard procedures already in place about concerns such as appropriate decorations themes, work time, etc. Be sure to check with [...]
Employer Wellness : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: National Health Observances
National health observance campaigns can lighten workload and effort. Many of these well-developed observances have kits and materials which can either be downloaded for no cost or purchased inexpensively. Monthly health themes, week long activities, and nationally recognized days of the year are also wonderful ways to have fun while participating in larger activities. Health [...]
Employer Wellness : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: Sports and Recreation
Many employees enjoy group related activities. These activities usually take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is completely voluntary in nature. Even though the sports group is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the group or activity is associated with the corporation, the corporation might be held liable [...]
Employer Wellness : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Stress Management and Mental Health
Stress Management
Many simple wellness activities and practices can help workers understand the role stress plays in effecting health, safety, and productivity. It is necessary to help workers understand simple stress management strategies for decreasing stress levels.
• Stress kit check out. Have stress management tools available for employee use during a scheduled break time. Consider providing [...]
Employer Wellness : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Fighting Addictions
Tobacco Cessation
Smoking cessation assistance is a worthwhile wellness exercise. Smoking is frequently a difficult habit to overcome. Workplace wellness activities to support “tobacco-free” living include:
• Use American Lung Association resource. These include the Freedom From Smoking group and/or video-tutorial. There is also a follow-up video “A Lifetime of Freedom From Smoking”.
• Reward people who have [...]
Employer Wellness : Company Wellness Program Ideas: Physical Fitness and Growing Physical Activity
Interest in increasing physical activity ranks nearly as high as weight management in employee interest and need. Ideas for increasing employee awareness and participation in physical activities follow:
• Fitness classes in the worksite: Onsite exercise can be much more convenient for workers. However, worksite classes require logistical planning and coordination with attention to details. Onsite [...]
Employer Wellness : Employee Wellness Program Ideas: Nutrition
staff members generally enjoy sharing nutritional tips and trying new foods. Offer a “nutrition cook-off” and/or healthy potlucks.
• Nutrition cook-off. Teams of workers set a menu in advance and bring in prepared foods for an official competition. A nutritionist from the health department or local hospital or neighborhood serves as the judge. Dishes and foods [...]