Designing a Wellness Program.
Posted by Employee Motivation | Posted in Health Promotion, Wellness Programs | Posted on 22-02-2011
Tags: Health Promotion, wellness program
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Five reasons to have a wellness program
1 The United States spends more dollars on health care than any other nation yet we are not the world’s healthiest
o Largely sedentary
o Smoking is still popular
o Stress is at epidemic levels (WHO)
o Alcohol continues to take its toll on Americans
2 Much of the disease in the United States is preventable
o Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes of death
o As much as 70% of the cost of health care is driven by preventable illness
3 Healthcare costs continue to rise
o Healthcare premiums continue to rise and to be passed on to the employee
o Healthcare cost are typically the number one benefit cost to most corporations
4 The worksite is an ideal establishing to address health and well being
o Most American Citizens work
o Poor health habits take a toll on American business
o Corporations have a vested interest in health related issues.
5 Research validates that wellness programs can improve health, save money, and even produce a ROI.
o Aldana,S.G. (1998). Financial impact of employee wellness and methodological quality of the evidence. The Art of Wellness. Vol 2, Number 1.
o Wilson, M.G. (1996). A extensive review of the effects of employee health promotion on health related outcomes – an update. The American Journal of wellness. Vol 10, Number 6.
o Wilson, M.G. (1996). A extensive review of the effects of employee health promotion on health related outcomes – an update. The American Journal of wellness. Vol 11, Number 2.
o Chapman, L.S. Proof Positive – an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of company wellness. 3rd ed. Seattle – Summex Company, 1996.
o Pelletier, K.R. A review of the health and cost-effective outcomes studies of comprehensive wellness and disease avoidance programs at the workplace – 1993-1995 Update. The American Journal of Health and Promotion. Vol. 10, Number 5.
Key Components of a Health Promotion Program
Physical Wellness – Focuses on the development, maintenance, or improvement of one’s fitness
Sample Physical Wellness Programs / Workshops
o Annual biometric testing
o Regular physical activity
o Good safety habits
Emotional Health Promotion – Focuses on all aspects of mental fitness
Sample Emotional Wellness Programs / Workshops
o Stress management workshops
o Dealing with aging
o Addictive behaviors
o Parenting
Financial Wellness – Focuses on bettering the quality of life of employees by assisting families and person in becoming financially stable
Sample Financial Health Promotion Programs / Workshops
o Financial management
o Savings and Investing
o Credit and Purchasing
o Insurance and Estate Planning
Spiritual Health Promotion – Focuses on promoting a healthful inner self
Sample Spiritual Wellness Programs / Workshops
o Be sure to encourage daily devotional readings
o Give regular service opportunities
o Give a daily/weekly/monthly chapel (meditation) time during work hours
Nutritional Wellness – Will meet the needs of the staff through group and individual nutritional services
Sample Nutritional Wellness Programs / Workshops
o Individual nutritional Assessment
o Individual and group counseling
o Educational classes
o Weight loss wellness programs