Implement your Programs

Types of Programs

Deciding what programs to implement can be a challenge. First, you will need to take the information that you gathered when determining your company's needs and other factors such as risk status, demographics, workplace culture, health claims data and available resources, and analyze the data.

Take time to review all of the details of the assessment as well as all of the environmental, health and demographic components to see what needs naturally stand out.

There are a number of ways to organize your programs. One option is to consider integrating the program into the six components of an employee's well-being:

Physical

• Onsite fitness classes
• Ergonomic work stations or stretch breaks
• Promoting use of stairwell vs. elevator
• Flexible time off for physical activity
• Walking meetings
• Biking/running maps of vicinity
• Access to lockers, showers, bike racks
• Onsite preventive screenings
• Fitness fairs
• Inter-department competitions
• Sport-specific training seminars (ski preparation, running, cycling, stretching)
• Walking/pedometer program
• Company picnic with "field day" component
• Reimbursement or incentives for gym membership
• Discounted gym memberships
• Community runs
• Cycling events

Spiritual

• Community activities
• Meditation workshops
• "What is Spiritual Health" workshop
• "Random Acts of Kindness" campaign
• Charge admission to wellness program by requiring participants to bring can of food or other donation to local charity

Intellectual

• Encourage personal development through training/classes
• Mental fitness activities
• Book/article discussion sessions
• Speakers on intellectual topics to stretch the mind
• Quiz bowls or trivia contests
• Distribute articles highlighting importance of mental fitness

Social

• Sponsor community events
• Hold a "work and families day" where families can tour the worksite
• Discussion groups for specific topics of interests
• Team building activities
• Mentor program
• Create teams using representatives from different departments

Emotional

• Stress management program
• Journaling workshops
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support groups

Occupational

• Work safety initiatives
• Reward and recognition programs
• Ergonomic evaluations
• Stretch breaks
• Wellness program overview in New Hire Orientation
• Daily or weekly wellness tips
• Career development seminars or tips
• Emergency preparedness
• CPR training

Program Planning Considerations

When considering activities and programs for inclusion in your overall workplace wellness initiative, use the following questions as a basic checklist to help plan appropriately.

• Does it meet a need? (educational, motivational, physical)
• Does it fill an interest?
• Is it fun?
• Does it tie into your wellness mission?
• Does it correlate with company business goals?
• Is there a budget?
• What resources/communication methods are available?
• How many people will it reach?
• Is it geared toward the individual, particular groups or everyone?
• Is it self-paced or time-sensitive?
• Are there internal resources or staff to implement?
• Is there a need to engage an outside vendor?
• Is there a need to charge participants a fee?
• What, if any, incentive will be offered to those who participate?
• Is there an opportunity to pilot the program with a smaller group before large-scale implementation?

What if I Have Limited Resources?

Resources are always a concern and can be an obstacle at times. Be creative. Look for low- or no-cost activities and seminars from national organizations, local hospitals, universities, community organizations or local fitness centers that you can utilize.

When you are faced with limited resources, it’s even more important to implement only programs that employees have expressed they want/need - this will ensure you get the best results from your efforts. Check out our employee interest survey.

Here are some other low- or no-cost ideas to consider:

• Find out if you have any employees (spouse or family) who are qualified to teach fitness classes or lead nutrition seminars
• Ask your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider if they have any free materials/resources
• Direct your vending machine provider or cafeteria staff to provide healthy alternatives
• Change the workplace dress code to promote physical activity or designate one day of the week when employees can wear sneakers
• Implement a smoke-free campus
• Develop policies to support a healthy work-life balance (e.g. mandatory vacations, flextime, limits to work, e-mail on personal time)
• Provide health education material in break room/lunch room
• Designate a "relaxation" room or exercise room for employees to use
• Have water available throughout the workplace
• Walk or stretch during meetings
• Create stairwell/walking campaigns
• Highlight and congratulate wellness advocates or those who have achieved weight loss or fitness goals
• Be a positive role model
• Schedule employee activities appropriately so a large number of employees can participate
• Promote participation in community events (walks, runs, etc.)

You can also take advantage of our CareEssentials programs.

To learn more about the CareEssentials programs and our free communication resources that can complement your workplace wellness program, check out the CareEssentials page.

Start a walking program

Want to start a walking program at your worksite? It's easy! We have already done the work for you. To learn all about our WalkingWorks® program and to check out the free resources available to you, visit our WalkingWorks page.

For additional free resources visit:

• National Health Observances Calendar
• Centers for Disease Control Healthier Worksite Initiative