The “Complete” Corporate Wellness Program

The buzz word “corporate wellness” is currently being thrown around in the corporate community. Health insurance premiums are expected to rise sharply, costing companies more and more money. In addition it is clear that companies are loosing millions and millions of dollars every year in worker's compensation claims, absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost productivity.

There now appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel with regards to such issues. This light is the “Corporate Wellness Program.”  Many corporations have realized that actively bringing wellness into the work place increases employee health. in turn lowering health care costs and increasing productivity.

This new mind set has created a plethora of health and wellness organizations that cater to the will of corporations. Yet in order for the wellness programs to be effective there are several things that every company should keep in mind, so that their wellness program is successful.

The first step that a company must do is to restrain from simply “splattering” wellness around the work place. A wellness program must be comprehensive. However, it is far too often that companies decide to throw some money at building a gym, or at a walking program. Setting up a single program, that does not necessarily target company weaknesses, and that is not part of a system that creates long term wellness, is the quickest way to spend money without effective results. “Splattering” does not work.

In order for a wellness program to work, it must be comprehensive! Therefore, whatever corporate wellness program is created, it needs to target weaknesses, and cater to the whole employee population. Furthermore, such a program needs to have a system in place so that it allows for the creation of long term wellness.

This type of program often involves several steps that are broken down in the following manner: Health Risk Assessments, Education, and Implementation.

The Health Risk Assessment is a health analysis of each employee that targets physical as well as behavioral issues, and provides a plan to improve and maintain health. Pinpointing the problem is the first step in tackling it. In addition the Health Risk Assessment data can be compiled in a full company report so that the next step of the program may be implemented successfully.

The next step in a comprehensive program is education. The HRA's allow the company to know what areas the employees need more information in. Education is key in wellness. For often people will not simply change habits if they do not know how to do so. However, if they are provided with information, whether it be in the form of seminars, classes, or news letters; they are able to learn about the repercussions of what they are doing and learn about how to fix them. So once they understand the problem, the can fix it.

Education then leads into implementation. Each employee can then be set up on a wellness plan that will support their changes in habits. This can be hands on in the form of an exercise programs, yet there can also be an online component that will supply them with their daily wellness needs, such as their nutrition plan for the day.

It's these step by step methods, when weaknesses are targeted, and change is allowed to take place in a supportive environment over a long period of time, that wellness truly stays and benefits the work place. So don't just “splatter” wellness, incorporate a comprehensive program and you will truly see the difference in your employees and your company!