Posts from — May 2010

When developing a extensive Wellness Program, make certain that it consists of a selection of awareness, lifestyle change, supportive environment programs, policies and activities that target risk behaviors, and the needs and interests of the staff members.

It will be important to review and revise existing policies governing such areas as smoking sections and the staff cafeteria.

Tips on designing a Wellness Program –

• Develop activities based on your plan goals addressing the specific needs of your staff members. Focus on those topics that are of greatest interest to your staff members and the greatest needs of your company, in that order. Avoid topics with narrow appeal.

• Keep it simple. Design the Wellness Program so it’s easy for the participants to understand and track.

• Integrate a combination of activities to include awareness, educational, and behavior elements.

• Select activities in which every employee can participate.

Suggestions for your Wellness Program –

• Challenges. Activities that focus on practicing a desired behavior that continues for 4-8 weeks and focuses on specific topics (like physical activity, nutrition, or stress management).

• Learning experiences. This includes seminars, videos, and classes.

• Behavior changes (such as smoking cessation). You could or may not offer interventions at the workplace. Nevertheless, you should encourage individuals to make lifestyle changes that they want to make even without an external incentive.

• Education on illness management. for example, support and education groups for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

• Learing new skills. for example, CPR and first aid.

• Preventive screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and vision.

Source –  Adapted from the Building Healthy Texans Corporate Wellness Toolkit.