Keys to an Effective Wellness Program
According to the National Wellness Institute, "Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of, and making choices toward, a more successful existence." Wellness is no longer just flu shots and stress talks. To enjoy all the benefits a holistic wellness program has to offer companies today, you must learn to create a culture of wellness. The following items have proven effective in making a wellness program part of the company culture. They are:
- Awareness - Regular promotion, communication, and education are key to success.
- Engaged leadership - Executive and department level sponsorship and commitment will help drive participation and program longevity.
- Identification of risk - A good health risk assessment and bio-metric testing will help educate high risk employees to areas of risk.
- Assistance with setup - Employees benefit from customized fitness, nutrition and lifestyle plans.
- Tracking and monitoring - Promotes accountability and develops healthy habits.
- Specialized behavioral programs - Tobacco, and stress management programs help target specific costly behaviors.
- Expert coaching and advice - Certified personal trainers, registered dieticians and mental health professionals provide ongoing assistance.
- Effective incentives and disincentives - Team contests, performance rewards and employer contributions can be combined to increase participation.
- Company level reporting - Tracking against expected returns will fuel continue support, inform changes and improve savings.
With these elements in place, companies will see a positive return on their wellness investment in the form of health care cost savings, decreased absenteeism and increased productivity. If you haven't implemented a wellness program today, or your existing program isn't getting you the results you need, contact My Wellchoice+ today and discover how affordable and easy our program can be.