Employee Wellness Programs – Creating a Culture of Health: Part 1

Employee wellness programs are a key component for both large and small businesses. They can provide a tool for employee engagement and attract quality staff in addition to reducing absenteeism, healthcare costs, and turnover rates. Workers who are feeling good both mentally and physically are more likely to perform at their highest level and appreciate an employer who invests in their health and wellbeing.

Starting a wellness program

There are many options for employers who want to start a wellness program. One of the best ways to start this process is to identify health risks through biometric testing and a Health Risk Assessment (HRA). Utilizing these two important tools will give organizations an overall picture of their employee’s health. Make sure to check with your insurance carrier as they may offer health risk assessments as a complimentary service. Depending on the results of these tests employers can then make decisions on where to focus wellness efforts for the best results as well as choosing the interventions that are the best fit for their organizational culture.

Coaching and Education

After an employer chooses the direction of a wellness program there are many services that can contribute to its success. One great tool to motivate and educate employees on why it’s important to be healthy is through education. Health education classes can motivate employees to take greater responsibility for their health as well as develop tools for a healthy lifestyle. Classes can be customized to employee interests as well as focus on the health outcomes the employer is trying to achieve such as lowering cholesterol or weight management. For more information on wellness programs and services please contact Lora Nyburg at 541-228-3095.

Last modified on Monday, 20 August 2012