Gaining management support for an employee wellness program

If your company is considering implementing an employee wellness program, it is very important that you follow certain steps in order to facilitate the process. The crucial first step in implementing any employee wellness program is to gain management support in both word and involvement. There are a number of ways that management can show that they are behind an employee wellness program and feel it is a priority.

Management can show their support, for the employee wellness program by supporting the program and working to foster a culture of wellness in the workplace. Management can also help by marketing the program through any channels in the business (such as newsletters or emails) and being seen actively participating in the various events. Management should also understand that in order to get the employee wellness program, up and running there may need to be an adjustment in the hours that employees work. In addition, there will have to be money that is allocated, for the program. These funds will be used to purchase the needed supplies and equipment that will be required to run the employee wellness program. Management should also understand that by their active participation they are showing their employees what they see is priority-the health of their staff. Many times management may be hesitant to dive in and set up this type of program. It can help to educate them about the benefits of having an employee wellness program. These benefits include but are not limited to:

• Healthy employees are productive employees and sick employees are absent employees. The bottom line is that having the right kind of employee wellness program can increase productivity.


• Employee wellness programs can be designed in all sizes and configurations. Management should be reassured that effective employee health programs don't have to be expensive.


• Health care costs continue to grow. Management should be educated on how having healthy employees can significantly reduce the company costs of health insurance.


• There are many health risks that can be dramatically reduced, by simple behavior changes. These changes can be taught through an employee wellness program.


• Businesses with employee wellness programs are more attractive to potential applicants. Many businesses use their employee wellness programs as a tool for recruiting.


• Employee wellness programs have been shown to increase on the job morale. Healthier employees tend to feel better about their jobs and more loyal to their company. In addition, when employees have better self image there are enthusiastic about their job, and less likely to leave. This in turn reduces the costs of recruiting, hiring and training new employees.


• Healthier employees are far more productive employees. They will produce far more then their less well counterpart, making the profitability of the company much higher.


• It is crucial to note that after the initial support is gained from management, processes will have to be put into place, in order to maintain their support. One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping management up to date and well informed. Management should be aware of any upcoming events and how well the employee wellness program is doing overall. They should also be given any program evaluation data that is collected from the participant. You will find management is much more supportive of the programs when you are able to provide them with copies of literature and other informational materials that are being used in the employee wellness program. Finally, do not hesitate to give management information about any health trends that will help them see how important an employee wellness program is their business.