Examples of workplace health programs

Promoting behavior change among working-class, multi-ethnic workers: results of the Healthy Directions — Small Business Study. Am J Pub Health. Effects of a Dutch worksite wellness-health program: the Brabantia project. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Workplace Health Promotion. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Workplace Health Model. Minus Related Pages. What are workplace health programs Workplace health programs refer to a coordinated and comprehensive set of strategies which include programs, policies, benefits, environmental supports, and links to the surrounding community designed to meet the health and safety needs of all employees.

Examples of workplace health program components and strategies include: Health education classes Access to local fitness facilities Company policies that promote healthy behaviors such as a tobacco-free campus policy Employee health insurance coverage for appropriate preventive screenings A healthy work environment created through actions such as making healthy foods available and accessible through vending machines or cafeterias A work environment free of recognized health and safety threats with a means to identify and address new problems as they arise Impact of workplace health programs Workplace health programs can lead to change at both the individual i.

Building a workplace health program should involve a coordinated, systematic and comprehensive approach. Step 1 - Workplace Health Assessment. Step 2 — Planning the Program. Organizational strategies include: Dedicating senior leadership support to serve as a role model and champion Identifying a workplace health coordinator, council or committee to oversee the program Developing a workplace health improvement plan with sufficient resources to articulate and execute goals and strategies Communicating clearly and consistently with all employees Establishing workplace health informatics to collect and use data for planning and evaluation It is important to remember that a successful program does not necessarily incorporate all potential workplace health strategies.

Step 3 — Implementing the Program. They affect large groups of employees simultaneously Health Benefits — part of an overall compensation package including health insurance coverage and other services or discounts regarding health Environmental Supports — refers to the physical factors at and nearby the workplace that help protect and enhance employee health The implementation module provides topic specific guidelines, tools, and resources for putting the program strategies and interventions in place.

Step 4 — Determine Impact through Evaluation. Tools and Resources. Get Email Updates. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Regardless of your wellness budget you can start improving employee health.

Calculate how much a comprehensive wellness program would cost for your company. Most examples are linked to additional online resources and tools you can use to make a great employee wellness program.

These are outstanding free resources. There are enough great employee wellness program examples shown here to help any worksite get a great start on having a health, happy workforce. People who are physically active reduce their risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and have lower stress.

The recommended level of physical activity to produce most health benefits is minutes of physical activity per week.

People who stay fit will cost less, be present more, and be more productive at work. Low Cost Wellness Strategies 1. Create a company culture that discourages sedentary behavior, such as TV viewing on breaks and sitting for long periods of time. Offer flexible work hours to allow for physical activity during the day. Support physical activity breaks during the workday, such as stretching or walking. Map out on-site trails or nearby walking routes. Host walk-and-talk meetings.

Post motivational signs at elevators and escalators to encourage stair use. Have employees map their own biking or walking route to and from work. Provide bicycle racks in safe, convenient, and accessible locations. Medium Cost Wellness Strategies Provide outdoor exercise areas such as fields and trails for employee use. Provide or support recreation leagues and other physical activity events on-site or in the community.

Start employee activity clubs e. Explore discounted or subsidized memberships at local health clubs, recreation centers, or YMCAs. Implement incentive-based programs to encourage physical activity, such as activity tracker walking challenges. High Cost Wellness Strategies Offer on-site fitness opportunities, such as group classes or personal training. Provide an on-site exercise facility.

Allow for use of facilities outside of normal work hours. Provide on-site child care facilities to facilitate physical activity. A healthy lifestyle should be its own reward, but changing habits is hard. Consider offering some incentives to employees to encourage them to get involved.

Some examples include a special parking space, extra time off, massage or beauty gift certificates, awards, certificates, etc. Health costs, absenteeism, high turnover rates can cost your business a significant amount of money. A successful wellness program at your organization can improve the lives of your employees and the growth of your business. The topic of mentorship has come up a few times throughout some of the examples listed in this article. That's because the two are closely related.

For that reason, a workplace wellbeing program that incorporates a formal mentoring program is an effective way to build, not only healthy and happy employees, but well connected and fulfilled workplace cultures. To learn more about the benefits of mentoring programs for employees and organizations check out our white paper on the ROI of mentorship :.

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Ryan Carruthers August 12, Management Support For a wellness program to be successful in the workplace, it needs to be promoted by managers and company leadership. Wellness Committee To oversee your wellness program, create a committee to be responsible for planning activities, promoting activities, educating employees and managers about the program, and evaluating the program.

Workplace Wellness Is Closely Tied To Mentoring Relationships The topic of mentorship has come up a few times throughout some of the examples listed in this article.