Employee Wellness Plans : Company Wellness Program: Select and Implement a Program  

Armed with data, Worksite Wellness Program topic preferences and objectives – and a Worksite Wellness Program Committee rearing 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 various types of wellness programs available by other employers to get an idea of what could possibly work for your business.  There are Statewide Resources listed along with national non-profit groups offering resources, and specific examples of resources available on various wellness subject matters.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

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

Important Workplace Wellness Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Employee Health Promotion Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy concerning 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 won’t be beneficial if your workers are unaware of it or do not know the options or how to participate.  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 might 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 Corporate Health Promotion Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to learn what people will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives are able to both support and excite participation among staff members.  Consider both formal or organization incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Corporate Health Promotion Programs. Either way, it’s important to provide incentives that are attractive and meaningful to your staff members.

   Formal Employee Wellness Program Incentives:

   • Discounts 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
   
   • gym/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
   • Public transportation vouchers
   • Flexible work time options
   • “Wellness Days” off work  

   Prizes or Informal Employee Wellness Program Incentives:

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

4. Assess community resources available to offer some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your employer medical care provider may be able to support  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing great 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.