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Overview

April 2 is National Employee Benefits Day. This year, the focus is on Wellness 2.0 — the movement to expand employer wellness programs to encompass all areas of total well-being: body, mind, wallet, community and work.

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans encourages those in the industry to celebrate by examining ways to increase overall health, and offers some ideas for each of the five areas of well-being to help kick start a wellness program:

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Body

•tFree or discounted flu shots
•tSmoking cessation program
•tChiropractic services
•tHealth risk assessments (HRAs)
•tDisease management program
•tAcupuncture
•tOn-site massage therapy
•tWellness competitions such as fitness challenges
•tHealth coaching
•tHealthy food choices in cafeteria or vending machines
•tWeight loss/management program (on-site or subsidized)
•tNutrition counseling
•tOrganized group run/walk events
•tOn-site fitness equipment/center
•tGym membership subsidies
•tOn-site exercise classes
•tHealthy food at staff/trustees' meetings
•tActivity/exercise breaks during work time
•tStanding work stations
•tOn-site walking trails/paths
•tEmployer-sponsored sports teams
•tFitness equipment discounts

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Mind

•tEmployee assistance program (EAP)
•tMental health coverage
•tCritical incident/crisis response counseling
•tStress management program
•tMental health assessment included in health risk assessment
•tMassages
•tMental health return to work programt
•tGratitude/appreciation journals/initiatives
•tEnd-of-life counseling
•tMental health first aid training (i.e., training to identify and help individuals that may be developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis)
•tOn-site meditation classes

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Wallet

•tCompetitive pay
•tComprehensive benefits package
•tRetirement planning workshops
•tNew hire orientation on your organization’s retirement plan
•tFree personal finance consultation sessionst
•tProjected account balance statements and/or pension benefit statements
•tRetirement income calculators
•tBudgeting workbooks
•tFinancial literacy education

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Community

•tCommunity charity drives (e.g., food drives, school supplies, etc.)
•tOn-site events/celebrations (e.g., wedding/baby showers, cook-offs, bake sales, department parties/potlucks, etc.)
•tStaff outings (e.g., golf, tours, parks, bowling, holiday parties, pro sports games, picnics etc.)t
•tCommunity volunteer projects
•tBlood drives
•tCultural/diversity initiatives or training
•tThemed dress-up days
•tGame leagues (e.g., bocce, cribbage, etc.)

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Work

•tVacation/time off encouraged
•tService recognition
•tTuition reimbursement
•tAll staff is notified of internal job openings and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply
•tRetirement celebrations
•tFlexible work hours/telecommuting
•tPerformance reviews tied to organizational mission
•tSubsidized continuing education opportunities
•tManager training
•tMentorship programt
•tTransfers are encouraged when internal opportunities better fit worker interests
•tLeadership opportunities outside job hierarchy structure via teams, committees and/or councils.
•tWorkers can review job descriptions and edit/redesign their jobs
•tCreative/autonomous built-in worker time (i.e., flexibility to spend a certain amount of time on independent/"pet" projects)
•tStay interviews (i.e., periodic meeting designed to keep and engage talented workers)

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