Wellness Programs A to Z

Armed with data, Health Promotion Program topic preferences, objectives, and objectives – and a Health Promotion Committee rearing to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website provides tools to help you!  

You can peruse about the different kinds of wellness programs offered by other companies to get an idea of what may work for your business.  

If your planning phase was well executed, you should simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Wellness Program considerations include –  

1. Formally Introduce the Health Promotion Program and consider policy statements that state the importance of the health promotion program.  Examples include a general policy regarding the commitment to staff member safety and health as well as specific policies like No Use of tobacco, Healthy Eating and Exercise.

2. Communicate Your Program –  the best planned wellness program with excellent wellness programs will not be beneficial when your workforce don’t know about it or don’t understand the options or how to participate.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to ensure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

Health Promotion Program Communication Strategies could include –

• Newsletter articles

• Postings on the corporation’s intranet or internet

• A designated Champion of the health promotion program

• Formal or informal meeting to announce wellness program, “the kick-off”

• brochures / table tents,

• Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,

• Email / phone messages,

• Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Wellness Program Incentives –  You’ll be amazed to figure out what people  will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and motivate participation among workforce.  

Consider both formal or business incentives and informal or wellness program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Health Promotion Programs. Either way, it’s imperative that you provide incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your staff.

Company Structural or Formal Wellness Program Incentives –

• Discounts on staff member medical insurance premiums or co-pays, or contributions to 401K programs, staff member stock options, or other mechanisms.  Click here for additional information on medical plan incentive ideas

• Fitness Center/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage

• Public transportation vouchers

• Flexible work time options

• “Health Promotion Days” off work  

Rewards/Prizes or Informal Health Promotion Program Incentives –

• Cash – a very effective incentive!

• Prize incentives like gift certificates to heart healthy restaurants; music player to use while exercising, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would motivate your employees.

• T-Shirts, water bottles, or other cheap rewards

4. Assess community resources available to provide some wellness services.  The local health department or your business health care provider may  be able to assist you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing great wellness services for organizations. They are available to help you strategize and find the best choices available.

5. Implement your wellness program as planned documenting information and outcomes as you go such as numbers of participants, dates of activities, and any other special details you are tracking.