Options for an employee wellness program

Employee wellness programs can encompass a wide range of activities and initiatives, for the employees in your company. There are several options that should be considered when the program is being designed. Here are some of them-

• Medical Self-Care-This is the newest area when it comes to options, in the world of employee wellness. This type of initiative is designed to help employees lower their demand, for health care, by improving their decision making skills, as it relates to wellness. This can also help to develop better communication skills with the employee's health care provider. This will allow the employee to become more informed about their choices and options, as it applies to their health care. Classes that offer CPR (or other medical procedures), health screenings, and informational classes, fall under this category as well.
• Nutrition Programs-In this area the employee will learn about the fundamentals of nutrition. Healthy diets and the basics of nutrition will be taught. Classes that emphasis healthy eating and basic cooking skills, fall under this category. The Health Promotion Team could also sponsor potluck luncheons that feature only healthy menus or have a local chef teach a class about healthy cooking.
• Physical Activity Programs-This should be a major component of any employee wellness program. Activities that promote physical activity can be done in a number of ways. Everything from on-site gyms to discounts on gym memberships can help employees get up and get moving. Walking and biking clubs can be formed. Dance classes can be offered. The possibilities in this category are nearly endless. Businesses who foster a physical activities program as part of their employee wellness program, find that they have far less disability and injury claims, then companies who do not.
• Smoking Cessation Programs-Business quickly find that the financial return on investment is quite high, when they implement a smoking cessation program as part of their employee wellness program. Even if only a small percentage of employees quit using tobacco, the returns are highly beneficial. This can be a valuable part of any employee wellness program.
• Weight Management Programs-This is one of the most requested components, in virtually any employee wellness program. Employees are constantly looking for ways to lose weight. A well-designed weight management program uses portion control, healthier nutritional choices, and both cardio and weight training exercise, for a well-rounded program.
• Injury Prevention and Ergonomic Programs-This is a program that is made for the workplace. Employees learn how the use of stretching, and proper body alignment, they can decrease the risk of injury. This is especially important for those employees who work at a desk or computer station. Participants also learn tips for back and safety tips, for lifting.
• Substance Abuse Programs-Studies have shown that employees respond well in a workplace program, for substance abuse. Most of the program focuses on the use of counseling, as a deterrent for alcohol misuse.
• Cholesterol Management Programs-Studies have shown that screenings for high cholesterol, along with education materials and follow up, can have very good results, for employees who are at risk, for this problem. In addition, this component of the employee wellness program should have extensive information on the management of high cholesterol, rather then just knowing your scores.
• Stress Management Programs-This is a program that can help employees cope with stress at home, with their families as well as at work. Employers would do well to focus on this type of program since stress has been shown to affect weight, absenteeism, the ability to resolve conflicts and the number of claims received, for injury and disability. The bottom line is that productivity even improves.Everyone benefits when employees are less stressed.