Employer Wellness

Every worksite will have employees who will not take part in offered workplace wellness activities. But these same employees may be following many healthy practices in their daily living. A wonderful wellness program must give these people credit and recognition for their wonderful work.

Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal performance is a good approach for reinforcing what individuals are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who do not like group activities. Suggested steps for individual goals/objectives and recognition include:
• A form staff members can fill out which includes the set goal(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic goals, as individuals often overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s good to remind employees “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee objective forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each participant’s objective date. This reminder might be a copy of their original objective form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their objective(s): completed the objective, need an extension, or have discontinued the objective.
• When the form is returned from an employee:
   1. If an employee has completed the intention, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the intention (if possible).
   2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the objective, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to bolster the employee.
   3. If the intention is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and encourage the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set objectives any time and as often as they want.