20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 1

1. Health is a core business value.

Companies with successful wellness programs embrace health as a core business value, says Powell. Companies that are truly committed to comprehensive health and productivity programs will even have the health and well-being of employees as part of their mission statement, he says.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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3. Grassroots wellness champions.

It could be someone working on the line, clerical, middle manager people in the organization who have an interest in wellness and who can act in a leadership position for the rest of the organization, says Powell.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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4. Employees are proactively encouraged to access resources to live healthy lifestyles.

The company, through incentives or culture, is such that people can participate in wellness activities on company time and theres lots of things being provided to help employees engage in a healthy lifestyle, says Powell.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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5. Workplace environment.

Workplace wellness initiatives are enhanced by a physical environment that makes it easy, convenient and acceptable to engage in healthy behavior. Is the environment set up so wellness is the default option in the organization? says Powell. Things like vending machines and how healthy the snacks are to the company cafeteria and whether it has a heart-healthy line.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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7. Multiple components.

Companies that see the greatest return on investment for their worksite wellness interventions are those that provide a full array of activities rather than just an annual health fair, says Powell.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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8. Communication materials.

In addition to an array of activities, successful wellness programs are communicated using multiple communication methods, including emails, newsletters, calendars, posters, brochures and social media.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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9. Maximize member participation.t

Publicize the program frequently to engage employees and achieve what Powell calls the saturation effect. Ongoing publicity using a variety of communication methods will help get the wellness message out.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

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10. Assessment activities.

Employers need to ask themselves what their goals are with biometric screenings and personal health assessments, says Powell. Is it to find out whos diabetic, who smokes, whos overweight? he asks. Or is it a motivational tool to get people involved in wellness? He cautions employers against using the HRA to assess what programs to offer. Where the HRA is helpful is when people who fill it out get a wellness score and maybe that score helps motivate them to make lifestyle changes.

Also see: Top 20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

Also see: The secret potential of biometrics

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