Introduction
Starting an employee wellness program at your job can be very beneficial to all of the employees. Since we spend so much of our time at work, it stands to reason that many don't have the time to exercise and take care of their bodies as they should. Setting up an employee wellness program can bring health changes that not only benefit the individual employee but the company as a whole. If employees are healthier, they won't be sick as often and productivity will improve while missed work time will decrease. This can truly benefit any company that cares about their employees and wants to see change occur in the workplace. It is not difficult to get an employee wellness program started. There are some great tips that can help you get one started at your workplace.
Step 1
The first step to setting up an employee wellness program is to check with your employer. You will need to have permission from your boss to begin any program is you will need funding to start things. It is not wise to start anything at your work without checking with your employer as this could get you into trouble quickly. You will need to setup a meeting with your boss and the board of directors if possible. Have your goals and benefits clearly stated and you will also need a ballpark figure of the costs to the company. As you discuss the costs, it is important to also state the savings due to productivity increases and less time lost in employee illness. An employee wellness program can greatly help your business and it is important that you get this across to your employer.
Step 2
Once you have gotten permission from the powers that be, it is important to next send out a memo to all employees letting them know what you have begun in an employee wellness program. You will need to have everyone register to participate. You can find general health forms online that can be printed. This will give you an idea of the health needs of your employees. This will also give you a great starting point to begin a program to help the employees become more healthy.
Step 3
Unless you are a qualified health technician, you will need to hire a health coordinator with experience in health and exercise programs. This coordinator will be responsible for setting up the exercise regimes for each employee and monitoring their results. The coordinator will also be responsible for holding training sessions and food and nutrition and individual counseling sessions as they are need by the employees. It is great if you can find a health coordinator who is also a licensed nutritionist as this can help so much.
Step 4
Your employer should be able to designate what space can be used for the exercise facilities. If you are near a gym, the employer can also setup services through an outside source. Often, this is the only way that small businesses can afford an employee wellness program. The employer pays half of the fees and the employee is responsible for the other half. This may be an option if you have a small business or do not have the space to start gym facilities.
Step 5
The key to any employee wellness program is to keep the employees motivated. Weekly meetings can go a long ways towards motivation and teamwork. Set group goals and individual goals based on health and weight issues. Offering reward systems for employees who meet their goals can be greatly beneficial for both the employee and the group as a whole. Another great tip is to get your boss involved. This can bring solidarity to your business and make the employees feel like everyone is in it together. This creates a great group atmosphere that can truly benefit everyone involved.
Tips
- Check with your boss and board before you begin anything.
- Hire help to oversee the employee wellness program.
- Set goals for the group and individual.
- Weekly progress meetings can be beneficial.
Sources and Citations
www.goldsgym.com
