Implementing a Successful Wellness Program
In order to be successful, a comprehensive wellness program must have certain elements.
- Make it Work, at Work. Organizations need to build a culture of wellness starting with all levels of management. Let employees know wellness is important to management by making sure they are visible at wellness events. Ensure that wellness is integrated into a variety of places. Consider subsidizing healthier options in vending machines and cafeterias, identifying walking routes, and encouraging employees to practice wise medical consumerism.
- Make Participation Worth the Effort. The program needs to encourage participation by all employees. Offering a meaningful incentive to those who meet participation requirements is essential. Among the most effective incentive strategies are lower premiums, lower deductibles, and additional paid time off.
- Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. Wellness programs should not take place once each year; they should continue throughout the year. Employers need to continually communicate with employees about the importance of health improvement through programming, outreach, and even through company-wide campaigns and challenges.
- Gather and Evaluate. A comprehensive program needs to include self-reported health information, but also biometrics collected through a simple blood-stick test. By adding these two, the employee receives a more accurate picture of his or her current health status.
- Target It. Those identified as “at risk” should be part of an individualized coaching program. They should receive ongoing communication and assistance in making lifestyle changes. By working with a coach, they are more accountable for implementing health-improvement activities.
- Give the Grade. Employers need a comprehensive, aggregate report of relevant data and measurable results. This information will help them tailor programs that address common health habits in their entire population.
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