Managing Company Wellness Programs

Company wellness programs are great investments that return healthy, happy and more productive employees. A company wellness program can cost $150-$300 per employee per year or even less depending on how large the company is. These programs aim to encourage company employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. The programs can consist of health seminars, newsletters, brochures, early morning exercise routines, healthy food options, on-site health counseling, or even an on-site gym. The success of company wellness programs lies on excellent management and cooperation.

Voluntary Wellness Programs

In managing a company wellness program, the first point to consider is that a company wellness program is voluntary. The employees should participate in wellness programs of their own free will. With this, it is essential to conduct a survey that determines the employees’ level of interest in such a program. A sufficient number of interested employees must be obtained to make the program satisfactory.

Assessment of Health

Afterwards, a full assessment of the employees’ health status should be accomplished to establish baseline data. Included in the assessment are: past and current health conditions, health needs, health risks, and lifestyles. Most of these can be accomplished through Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs)—questionnaires that cover an individual’s past, present and family medical history. Additionally, the ages and cultural backgrounds must be noted and taken into consideration before establishing wellness goals and activities.

Goals of the Welness Program

The goals of the company wellness program should be based on the assessment of the employees’ health status. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Goals may be one or a combination of the following: enhance general health and well-being yearly, establish a healthy worksite atmosphere, increase knowledge and understanding of the employees’ health risks, gradually eliminate unhealthy lifestyle choices, boost company morale & attitude, increase productivity, decrease turnover rate, reduce absenteeism, and eliminate worksite hazards and injuries. Other goals may be formulated.

Afterwards, a wellness committee could be formed among the employees. Each member of the committee should be assigned tasks and conduct activities that promote the company’s wellness program objectives. Delegated tasks and activities may be coordinated with various health institutions and personnel like hospitals, medical clinics, health clubs, nutritionists, dieticians, dentists, and local American Red Cross chapters. Some examples of health activities are: on-site health checks, choosing and maintaining healthy and nutritious food, first aid trainings, stress and anger management seminars, counseling programs, weight control and fitness programs, worksite safety seminars, and health promotion. The committee should come up with a regular schedule of when to hold meetings and how often company wellness activities are done (once a week, twice a month, etc.).

As the company wellness program standardizes, regular evaluation must be done. Every employee participating in the program should be requested to put in their appraisal of every wellness activity undertaken to see if the company wellness goals are being met. They could also be requested to include their suggestions of wellness activities. Revisions should be considered if the wellness goals are far from being met or if employees are not happy with the on-going wellness activities.