Wellness Program – Obtaining Management Support.

Support from management is essential to building a successful wellness program! Visible  senior level management support is among the most critical factors in the success of a worksite Wellness Program.

Executive management executives are responsible for making sure that the organization meets its objectives. They can provide additional assistance by helping you to link your Wellness Program objectives to business outcomes, thereby positioning Wellness Program as a fundamental part of the organization.

It is important to create support and excitement for the program from all levels of the company including  senior level management, mid-level management, and grass-root workers.

The challenge for any Wellness Program coordinator is convincing  senior management about the potential value of Wellness Program to the organization and conceptualizing how Wellness Program programs can impact the organization in a meaningful manner.

The American Journal of Wellness is a great resource to assist you with obtaining convincing information on the benefits of a Wellness Program.

Wellness Program support from management can come in many different ways –

• Involvement in the planning process

• Distribution of funding for the wellness program

• Support for time given to the wellness program

• Participation in wellness events

• Leadership by management, like the distribution of a letter of support for the program.

• Download a sample letter requesting  senior level management support. (http – //www.ibx.com/pdfs/custom/worksite_wellness/business_tools/sr_mgt_support.doc)

• Flexibility of staff member schedules to accommodate wellness activities