20 characteristics of successful worksite wellness programs, Part 2

Published October 28, 2014 4:15 AM

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Updated October 29, 2014 2:43 PM

1 Min Read

In this two-part slide show, Don Powell, president and CEO of American Institute for Preventive Medicine, outlines 20 characteristics of successful workplace wellness programs. Here are the remaining 10.

For part 1, see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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11. Lifestyle programs.

These include health coaching, self-help programs and small group programs.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

[Image: Fotolia]

12. Provide health coaching.

Health coaching can be telephonic, electronic via email, one-on-one or small groups.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

[Image: Fotolia]

13. Offer self-help programs.

Weve also become sophisticated at helping people help themselves, says Powell. Self-help versions of these programs can be quite helpful as well interactive kits somebody receives to help them change their behavior on their own time in the privacy of their own homes.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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14. Offer group programs.

There is a place for group programs, says Powell, while acknowledging the difficulty in getting people to come together regularly. Lunch and learns can be offered once a month, or a semi-annual health fair, he says. Yoga classes and walking clubs have also become popular.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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15. Online wellness challenges.

This is a relatively newer area of worksite wellness, says Powell. Successful programs leverage the power of social networking and reach multiple employees across multiple worksite locations.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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16. Medical self-care.

This is the most cost-effective area for worksite wellness, believes Powell, but tends to be the most overlooked. It involves teaching your employees to make better health care decisions, to know what symptoms require professional assistance versus which symptoms can be treated at home, he says.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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17. Education in novel ways.

Wellness messages are communicated in a variety of creative ways playing cards, scroll pens, kits, pocket guides, picture frame magnets. The more you can package health information in novel ways, the more likely you are to get engagement, says Powell. Packaging is king when it comes to everything in the consumer world. Packaging health information in unusual ways can capture peoples attention.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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18. Provide appropriate program materials.

Powell suggests writing wellness materials at a sixth grade reading level, even if you have a group of PhDs working for you. Simpler is better in this time-deprived society, he says.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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19. Rewards.

Rewards are more consistent with creating a health-partnership culture, says Powell. Incentives should fit with the workplace culture.

Also see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

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20. Reporting.

Successful workplace wellness programs determine the value of what theyve done and determine what the data means in relation to the programs objectives. We need to look at other measures, such as creating a more positive workforce or seeing wellness as a way to attract employees, says Powell. Look at a variety of variables, not just did you save money on your wellness program.

For part 1 of this slide show, see: 20 characteristics of a successful worksite wellness program, Part 1

[Image: Fotolia]