Employer Wellness

Armed with data, Corporate Health Promotion Program topic preferences and objectives and goals – and a Corporate Health Promotion Program Committee rearing to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website supports tools to help you!  You can read about the different types of wellness programs available by other businesses to get an idea of what could possibly work for your company.  There are Statewide Resources listed as well as national non-profit groups offering resources, and specific 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 must simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Worksite Wellness Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Company Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy regarding the commitment 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 beneficial if your staff members 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!

   Corporate 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 Employee Wellness Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to find out what people will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and innervate participation among workers.  Consider both formal or employer incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Employee Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s valuable to provide incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your workers.

   Formal Corporate Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Discounts on employee health 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  

   Prizes or Informal Company Wellness Program Incentives:

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

4. Assess area resources available to offer some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your organization healthcare provider may be able to help  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing excellent wellness services for employers.  They are available to help you strategize and find the best options available.

5. Begin 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.