How to create support for employee wellness

If you are a business owner who is implementing an employee wellness program, it is crucial to understand that in order for it to succeed, you must surround it with a company culture that supports it. If you do not have the support, not only will it will limit the amount of influence it can have with your employees. It is also important to realize that this support must come from the upper levels of management and work its way down. This means that everyone from the upper levels of management on down, must get involved not only promoting the program, but hopefully being active in it as well. When management is actively participating in the employee wellness program, it sends a clear message to the employees that their health and wellness is priority with the company. There are many ways that support can be created for the employee wellness program. Here is what you need to know about how to create support for employee wellness-

• Establish a smoke free workplace-The bottom line is that smoking and smokers, have become a large and rising cost, for many businesses. When your workplace is smoke, it shows employees that their health is important. However, you should include a smoking cessation program, for any employee who is looking to quit smoking.
• Offer healthier choices in the cafeteria and vending machines-There are many company cafeterias that are overhauling their menus and making healthier choices available for the employees who utilize them. Companies are installing salad bars, low fat items and even providing menus to meet special dietary needs. In addition, many companies are changing out or removing old vending machines. In place of the old machines companies are offering vending machines that have more nutritional snacks, for their employees.
• Showers and dressing rooms for employees who exercise-Many people complain that they don't exercise; because there is no way they can shower and get ready at work. Some companies have fixed this problem by installing showering and dressing rooms. This has been done even by companies who are not offering on site gyms. This way an employee can run or bike to work and know that they can still get ready.
• Offer release or flex time for exercising-This can be a very supportive benefit, for many employees. If employees know that they can take time out of their schedule to exercise, that is often the only motivation they need. Companies that are offering this benefit, report that their employees have less absenteeism, and are taking less sick days, as well as lowering the costs of their health care.
• Offer preventive care coverage in the company health plan-This shows employees that their health is a priority with their employer. Many employees are now choosing to forego preventive health care, when it is not covered in their health plan. This leads to problems being spotted much later, with a more costly diagnosis and treatment attached. When employees are encouraged to gain the preventive care they need, health care costs are much lower overall.
• Have incentives for those employees who are participating in the employee wellness program. However, in order for incentives to work, they must be something that is of value to the employee. Many companies are now offering reduced health insurance premiums, while others are paying cash, to those employees who get involved.
• Put in walking trails and bike racks-This is one of the lowest costs forms of supporting employee wellness. There are no many businesses that have the space to make these kinds of fitness options available. Employees are much more likely to take advantage of these options, when they know that their employer supports their efforts at wellness.