Health Wellness ProgramHealth and Wellness Programs and Wellness Program Consulting

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

Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal performance is a great approach for reinforcing what people are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who don’t like group activities. Suggested steps for individual goals/objectives and recognition include:
• A form staff members can fill out which includes the set objective(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic objectives, 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 goal forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each member’s intention date. This reminder might be a copy of their original intention form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their intention(s): completed the intention, need an extension, or have discontinued the intention.
• 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 encourage the employee.
   3. If the goal is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and advocate the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set goals/objectives any time and as often as they want.