Health Wellness ProgramHealth and Wellness Programs and Wellness Program Consulting

Armed with data, Corporate Wellness Program topic preferences and goals – and a Corporate Wellness Program Committee eager to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website supplies tools to help you!  You can read about the different types of wellness programs offered by other companies to get an idea of what could possibly prove effective for your organization.  There are Statewide Resources listed along with national non-profit groups offering resources, and particular examples of resources available on various wellness topics.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

If your planning phase was well executed, you should simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Employee Wellness Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Worksite Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the importance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy concerning 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 will not be beneficial if your employees don’t know about it or do not understand 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!

   Worksite 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 / handouts / brochures / table tents,
   • Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,
   • Email / phone messages,
   • Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Company Wellness Program Incentives:  You will be amazed to find out what people will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives have the potential to both support and excite participation among employees.  Consider both formal or organization incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Company Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s significant to support incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your employees.

   Formal Company 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
   
   • health club/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 heart-healthy restaurants; media player to use while working out, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would innervate your employees.
   • T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards

4. Review community resources available to support some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your organization healthcare provider may be able to support  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State offering great wellness services for companies.  They are available to assist you when strategizing and find the best options available.

5. Start 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.