Employee Wellness Newsletter : Workplace Health Promotion Program: Select and Implement a Program  

Armed with data, Worksite Wellness Program topic preferences and objectives and goals – and a Worksite Wellness 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 available by other organizations to get an idea of what might work 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 issues.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

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

Important Workplace Health Promotion Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Employee Wellness Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy regarding the responsibility 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 will not be advantageous if your employees are unaware of it or do not be aware of the options or how to take part.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to ensure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

   Employee 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 / pamphlets / brochures / table tents,
   • Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,
   • Email / phone messages,
   • Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Employee Health Promotion Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to learn what most of us will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives are able to both support and encourage participation among staff members.  Consider both formal or company rewards and incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Employee Health Promotion Programs. Either way, it’s important to provide rewards and incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your staff members.

   Formal Corporate Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Savings on employee medical 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
   
   • health club/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
   • Public transportation vouchers
   • Flexible work time options
   • “Wellness Days” off work  

   Prizes or Informal Worksite Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Cash – a very effective incentive!
   • Prize incentives and rewards such as gift certificates to heart-healthy restaurants; media player to use while working out, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would arouse your employees.
   • T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards

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

5. Launch 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.