| 7 Easy Steps to Create a Healthy Workplace |
(.25-$.50 per piece) Place a fruit bowl in break room next to the snack machine and see how many people think twice about buying that bag of chips.
 Mostly likely you already have employees at your workplace that walk at lunch, ask to join them or invite others to walk too. Suggest your organization sponsor a walk-a-thon like the crop walk or the relay for life, etc. Create a team including family & friends. Perhaps you can make t-shirts with your company logo on them to promote your company's commitment to the cause.
Allow volunteers to form a committee to determine what types of things your program should offer. They will feel empowered at the opportunity to make their contributions.
- Offer a Weekly/Monthly Health Tip
Share healthy advice from internet resources -send it via e-mail or post it in the break room message board.
- Ask your company's healthcare insurance carrier for an on-site visit.
Many healthcare providers have health promotion services and may be willing to do presentations for your staff free of charge. (You can also contact Judy Davis to find out more.)
Make an announcement on your company intranet/newsletter or send an email if someone participated in a community marathon or the local white river rafting race for example.
- Encourage healthy lifestyles for your employees
Employees like to know their managers care about their well-being not just their work performance.
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All of the steps mentioned above can be implemented in your workplace for minimal or no cost to your company. More importantly, each step may bring your employees a greater awareness of the importance of healthy living, which translates into a happier, healthier and more productive work-force.
Here at Insurance Center we have created our own health and wellness program by implementing many of the small changes listed above. Our program has become so successful; that it was just recognized in an article in this month's issue of the Healthcare News of Western Massachusetts and Business West. To read the full article, please click here. |
Resources suggest designing a workplace wellness program will require extensive data gathering, as well as, establishing a baseline to measure your return on investment. This approach requires continuous analysis and typically works best in larger companies where a greater level of resources are available.
