Simple steps to creating your 2019 Wellness Program.
A corporate wellness program has many benefits for your business. Just a few include increased productivity, higher morale, less injury, employee loyalty and it even makes your company more competitive when recruiting new talent.
Space
The above image is from a space deficient Trigger ball session with a group of employees who made up for the lack of room with an incredible amount of enthusiasm.
Examples of working with small rooms include talks and workshops that can easily be conducted in a conference room and teleconferenced to outer offices or a cooking class that just needs a sink. It’s not a matter of space but rather desire. Keep in mind that achieving a healthy lifestyle takes hard work.
Be Patient
Getting support from management first is key to providing a solid and long lasting program. Just as your wellness program will need to be sold to employees, it is just as important to sell it to upper management.
Outline short and long term goals just like you would in any business plan. Keep it simple and show what your expectations will be after year 1, 2 and 3. This is a long term commitment and keep in mind that it will take 4 to 6 months just to get maximum engagement from your staff.
In year 1, your only concern is all about engagement and showing employees that this is not a fad and that your company is in it for the long haul. Start with your CFO and work your way down the hall. Having upper management as a part of the initial conversations is crucial.
Know your audience
Once you’ve got funding and management approval you will need to get employee buy-in. Most companies believe that bringing in a local fitness instructor or providing fitness classes is the easiest way to start a program. At the same time it is also the fastest way to lose interest.
Take a look at your demo - if you have a staff that consists of the under 30s then sure, fitness is a great way to go. However, if you have a staff comprised of a mix of baby boomers, millennials, highly educated or professional employees, then you are dealing with poor eating habits, stress and medical issues. Start with a simple lunch and learn/ HealthTalk. This is a great way for you to introduce health and wellness throughout the entire company.
Be a resource
Become the 'go-to' source for wellness. Make health and wellness information available that keeps your commitment top of mind. Set up a wellness library for employees with recipes, videos, pamphlets on improving health. Include info on lowering cholesterol, diabetes, and even managing stress.
Be creative
Once you launch your program it's time to keep employees engaged. Great ways to do this is by creating contests that monitor employee weight loss and activity. Set aside a day every other week and promote it in a unique way such as 'Wellness Wednesday' or 'Motivational Monday.' Every other week provide a low impact fitness or meditation class. Each quarter a workshop or health screening.
Install a blackboard in your common area. Use it as a way to promote your upcoming activities and give employees the opportunity to write down their ideas and suggestions. You can even provide a monthly prize for the best suggestion. The key to success is keeping it fresh and consistent.
If you would like some assistance, please don't hesitate to let us know. Just send a note to hello@fitpros.com or call 818.456.6249 to schedule a complimentary wellness program evaluation.