Five Steps to a Successful Wellness Program

“If you’re going to promote the benefits of good health to your clients, then you should also set the example,” said Mary Starr, CFO of The Starr Group. “We’re in the second year of our wellness program and today our employees can’t wait for our next wellness series.”
We started with a health risk assessment which was proposed by our Best of the Best Committee. Following the analysis, the committee set out to address the top four areas from the employees’ test results: sedentary, nutrition habits, stress/anxiety and tobacco use.
Today, the group offers two, 12-week programs a year (spring and fall). For example, their first activity was simply walking. Teams were formed and everyone was given pedometers to measure steps, or they needed document other exercise equivalents. Another event played off of the “Biggest Loser” show where the body fat, not weight, was used as an indicator.
To compliment the program, the committee brings in an athletic trainer for exercise and weigh-in sessions and also sponsors healthy Lunch and Learns featuring health experts and other guests to speak on wellness topics.
Mary says you don’t need a big budget to have good results and offers Five Steps to a Successful Wellness Program:
1. Form a Wellness Committee: Include a sampling of employees from all departments.
2. Have a Short and Long Range Plan: List objectives like improving employee health or ultimately reducing claims through a wellness program. Set a schedule of events.
3. Encourage Participation: From top executives to staff employees, get everyone involved and have sign-up prize giveaways. Then communicate results in company announcements.
4. Have Fun with Weekly Challenges: Have weekly challenges with prizes instead of waiting until the program ends. PTO is a great giveaway with little expense.
5. Consult with your healthcare carrier: They typically have wellness programs that you can access to help employees improve their health behaviors with a variety of tools and services including: Health coaching and on-site training; Personal health record; Biometric screenings; Health and Wellness publications; Preventive Care Reminders and Health Discount Program.