Company Health and Wellness : Employee Wellness Program: Select and Implement a Program  

Armed with data, Worksite Health Promotion Program topic preferences and objectives – and a Worksite Health Promotion Program Committee ready to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website supplies tools to help you!  You can read about the different types of wellness programs provided by other companies to get an idea of what could possibly prove effective for your employer.  There are Statewide Resources listed as well as national non-profit groups offering resources, and particular examples of resources available on various wellness topics.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

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

Important Workplace Health Promotion Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Worksite Health Promotion Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy concerning the commitment to employee health and safety as well as specific policies such as No Smoking, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.
2. Communicate Your Program: The best planned program with great wellness programs won’t be advantageous if your workers are unaware of it or do not understand the options or how to participate.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to make sure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

   Corporate Health Promotion Program Communication Strategies could include:

   • Newsletter articles
   • Postings on the company’s intranet or internet
   • A designated Champion of the program
   • Formal or informal meeting to announce program, “the kick-off”
   • Flyers / handouts / brochures / table tents,
   • Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,
   • Email / phone messages,
   • Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Workplace Health Promotion Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to learn what people will do for a no cost T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and arouse participation among employees.  Consider both formal or corporation rewards and incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Workplace Health Promotion Programs. Either way, it’s important to offer rewards and incentives that are enticing and meaningful to your employees.

   Formal Company Health Promotion Program Incentives:

   • Discounts on employee health insurance premiums or co-pays, or contributions to 401K programs, employee stock options, or other mechanisms.  
   
   Click here for more information on health plan incentive ideas
   
   • gym/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
   • Public transportation vouchers
   • Flexible work time options
   • “Wellness Days” off work  

   Rewards or Informal Employee Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Cash – a most effective incentive!
   • Prize incentives such as gift certificates to healthy restaurants; media player to use while exercising, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would encourage your staff members.
   • T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards

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

5. Begin your 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.