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What are some keys to a well-designed workplace wellness program?

The Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter writes that “Programs must be customized for employer’s culture and current health situations. The best programs include health risk assessments, educational tools and follow-up activities to engage employees. Clarity from leadership linking wellness to the organization’s strategy is important, as is effective and ongoing communication.”

The piece is written by David Yeghiaian, administrative director of corporate development and strategic growth at Holy Family Memorial.

He adds: “As wellness programs are created, they should also be interesting and simple. Having an online incentive tracking system is both interesting and simple, and caters to both intrinsic and extrinsic engagement.”

Further: “Another employee engagement method is to have wellness tie into the employees’ work. For example, at a manufacturing company where employees may only use their hands and not walk around a lot, the wellness program may include points for hand movements while incorporating a stretching program. When integrated with lunch-and-learns, the employer can offer monthly sessions by medical professionals about proper lifting, body mechanics, ergonomics and other wellness initiatives.”

And how important is it for employers to work with professionals who can deliver well-run wellness programs?

Writes Yeghiaian: “This should cause employers to invest time to partner with a trusted health care professional to develop wellness programs. An issue is too much focus on physical health in programs. Other wellness priorities are purpose (liking what you do each day), social (having supportive relationships), financial (reducing stress and insecurity in economic life) and community (liking where you live). How are these incorporated into your wellness program?”