The key to an effective wellness program is communication. Your employees must know about the programs and understand how they can benefit. Here are five strategies to help you achieve your goals:
1. Have a well-planned, long-term program that can be clearly explained.
Your message should be presented in a caring way, rather than in a flood of statistics and dire warnings. Explain precisely how employees can take part, how doing so will benefit them, and what the company’s expectations are for their participation.
2. Know the composition of your workforce and tailor messages to special segments within it.
Employees who sit at computer terminals all day may need more information about how to include exercise in their busy schedules. Younger workers may benefit from learning how healthy habits adopted early provide benefits that last a lifetime.
3. Use appropriate methods to communicate the message.
These will vary from company to company, but may include interoffice emails (especially from the president, CEO, or other top administrator), eye-catching posters placed in the work area, brochures or other printed material that can be given to individuals. You should not overlook the impact of peer-to-peer communication.
4. Emphasize that workplace wellness is all-inclusive.
From top-level management to entry-level clerks, all employees are encouraged to participate and will benefit by doing so. Your company’s expectation is to make the entire team healthier and, therefore, better at working together.
5. Provide an opportunity for employee feedback and questions.
Whether you use surveys, a contact person, staff meetings or other forums, your employees should have a way to ask questions, get clarification and provide comments on your workplace wellness program. Highlighting the stories of individuals who have achieved success in various aspects of the program is another powerful way to communicate the benefits of workplace wellness.
A successful workplace wellness program will benefit your company with lower health care costs, fewer sick days, and higher employee morale.
Employee participation is the key to success; communication is the key to participation.
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