Several studies have shown that businesses that have implemented wellness programs have experienced more than a 15 percent return on their investment, along with a drop in their health insurance premiums. They have also benefited from lower absenteeism and disability claims.
Instructions
1. Decide on specific goals for your wellness program. A great place to start would be with programs that focus on weight management, smoking cessation, stress reduction, nutrition and fitness. You will address specific risk factors for several chronic conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and cancer. Your program does not have start out elaborate or all-inclusive to be effective. You can always build upon it as your business needs change.
2. Create an action plan to achieve your program goals. Your plan can always be adjusted once you implement your program. The plan should include an established budget, which will enable you to schedule activities, keep track of costs and evaluate your programs. It should also include a means for measuring the accomplishment of your goals such as an employee honor system or medical evaluations.
3. Gather information from your employees that will help you tailor your program to meet their needs and interests. This will involve them in the process and grant you information on their needs. You can get this information via questionnaire, screenings or even an employee suggestion box.
4. Decide on the features and components of your wellness program. Each wellness program should be developed to suit the needs of your employees and the resources of your business. Your program may range from a basic informational campaign with handouts, workshops and newsletters to comprehensive medical screening and doctor visits. Here are other components that you may include:
*Information to go:
Collect and distribute free or low cost educational materials such as health pamphlets, brochures and flyers from non-profit health organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or the American Diabetes Society.
*Organize Onsite Presentations and Workshops:
You can often find health professionals from your community who will be willing to do health presentations at low or no-cost. (See resources below for organizations that can provide you low- or no-cost speakers).
*Provide Onsite Preventive Medical Screening:
This can include screening cholesterol levels, blood pressure, BMI, and diabetes. Follow-up exams can be required or offered.
*Offer Incentives:
This will further motivate greater employee participation in the wellness program, by making it personal and providing specific goals.
5. Appoint a wellness coordinator or committee to oversee the program.
Ideally, this should be an employee or employees who have an interest in health and fitness promotion. Your wellness committee will implement and oversee the program to help ensure its continued success. If your company has more than one location, be sure to involve representatives from each of your locations.
6. Launch your wellness program.
7. Monitor and evaluate your wellness program. As with any effective program, you should periodically evaluate your program's performance from both a cost benefit and health benefit perspective. Determine its effectiveness and ensure that it still meets your business and employee needs. Also look for ways to further enhance the program by adding or removing features and components from it.
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