Several models exist for both work-site and school-based wellness programs. These two environments tend to be the places where children and adults spend a majority of their time, making them prime targets for wellness programs. Some states, such as North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia and Ohio, offer comprehensive wellness programs for state employees that have been used as models for other organizations.
Wellness and the Workplace
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for every dollar spent on workplace wellness and health promotion, there is a median savings of $3.14 per person, equating to a 3-to-1 return on investment. Studies have shown a decrease in absences from work, reduction in medical costs, decrease in employee turnover and an increase in productivity. Program components typically include personal risk assessment, health management and lifestyle education. Successful programs begin with attainable and realistic goals and objectives based on employee interest and need, thorough marketing to employees and an evaluation of the program when completed.
Awareness Programs
The type of wellness program a company adapts will depend on the needs of each individual organization. Awareness programs are the most basic wellness program. They involve providing educational material to employees via newsletter, displays, email and communication methods. They are inexpensive to run, but the return on investment tends to be less. The goal of this type of program is to simply make employees aware of wellness information. There is not usually a need for any company policy to be written for this approach to wellness programming.
Education Programs
A more hands-on approach to wellness programming involves education programs. Not only will these programs make employees aware of health information but they also will provide education on specified topics. These types of programs are typically inexpensive and not too time intensive. An example would be a lunch-time session to learn about smoking cessation or a question-and-answer session on a specific topic. Actual policy may not be needed for these types of programs since attendance is voluntary. If attendance were made mandatory for a particular session or series of educational sessions, a company policy would need to be established to make employees aware of it.
Lifestyle Change Programs
Lifestyle programs are the most expensive and time intensive of the wellness program types. However, they also provide the greatest return on investment and can lead to significant lifestyle improvements. An example would be providing a six-week smoking cessation class to employees or a 12-week walking program. These types of programs require organizational support for them to remain successful and provide the largest impact on improving wellness. Policy changes can be seen here as well, such as creating a smoke-free workplace or establishing a fitness center or flex-time for employees.
Member Comments