How to create a supportive environment for your employee wellness program

In order for an employee wellness program to succeed there must a company culture that supports the program. Failure to have support throughout the company will limit or even keep the employee wellness program from flourishing and succeeding in its aims and goals. This support must also be manifested from the top down. In other words everyone in the highest levels of management must be able to get behind the program (preferably in deed as well as word) in order for the program to succeed. Enrolled and active management sends the message that the employee wellness program is important and an integral part of the company structure. There are many ways that support can be generated for an employee wellness program. Some of these ways include but are not limited to:

• Having a smoke free workplace policy. Smoking (and smokers) has become a huge cost for employers. Having a smoke free workplace shows employees that their health is a priority. Included in this are smoking cessation programs for employees wishing to quit.
• Healthy food choice programs for employees help them make better nutritional choices. Many company cafeterias are changing away from convenience and high fat foods to better selections for their employees. These can include salad bars, lighter fare and even menu items specifically designed for diabetic or low cholesterol diets.
• Showers for exercisers show employees that exercising should be a priority. Many employees use the excuse that they do not exercise since there is no where to shower and get ready at work. While many companies cannot afford to put in full-fledged gyms they are offering shower rooms for those who want to run or bike to work. This way employees can exercise, commute to work and still get ready.
• Release or flex time for exercise is another helpful benefit to support employees. Many employees point to overly busy schedules as the reason they do not exercise. Employers who offer release or flex time for exercise are seeing lower absenteeism, employees taking less sick days and most important a lowering of health care costs.
• Health plans that offer preventive medical benefit coverage and are consumer driven show employees that their health is a priority at where they work. Studies show that many employees who do not have preventive care in their health benefits neglect to take the basic tests that could spot problems early on and costs much less to treat. When employees are given the chance to seek medical care from doctors they can choose they are much more likely to take better care of themselves and feel more supported by their employer.
• Offering a wellness lending library can show employees that the company they work for wants to offer them access to the health information they need. If the costs of a wellness lending library is too prohibitive for one company many businesses are banding together to offer this benefit to their employees as a collective.
• Offering wellness incentives is another way to show support for employees in the wellness program. These incentives can be anything from prizes earned to discounts on health insurance to a straight monetary reward.
• Preventive Human Resource policies show employees that wellness is at the core of employee relations. Having policies in place that support wellness can go a long way to showing support for your employees.
• Bike racks and walking trails are now being offered by many companies who have the space to offer these to their employees. Since many large corporations are placed on several acres creative landscapers and business owners are using the grounds as a place to promote employee wellness.

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