The Building Blocks of Corporate Wellness: Customization is Key

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: October 24, 2016

Corporate wellness is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Company leaders need to be onboard with finding the program best suited to their environment, culture, employees and their families. Starting out with the right information and appropriate services gives employees a better chance of adapting healthy behavior, spending less time in the hospital, taking less sick time, and being more productive on the job. If this becomes the norm in your office or shop, the positive results will be tangible and measurable.

HOW TO GET STARTED
A great way to get started with a corporate wellness program is to talk to an expert who is knowledgeable in behavior change and how to engage people in health. Look for a wellness partner by asking yourself 5 Important Questions. These cover the level of experience of the health coaches and educators, the customization of services, and the capability to report results.

Once you find an experienced team, you’ll meet with its educators and sales specialists to outline your company’s individual requirements. Here’s where you might start with a basic package of services, such as Strategic Wellness Consultation and online portal. From there, services can be added based on what unique needs exist in your employee population.

WHICH WELLNESS SERVICES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT?
The answer calls for employers answering three questions: Why do I need a wellness program? What are my goals? And do I need to start slow – or not? The answers will be different for everyone. Some companies are focused on retention or recruitment of employees, while others want to invest in their workforce to improve morale, or simply to let employees and their families know they are cared for at work.

One thing to keep in mind is that one service alone might not do it. According to Harvard Business Review, “random acts of wellness” are not very effective. They may even be harmful by promoting quick fixes as opposed to long-term progress. Planning a comprehensive program with your wellness partner is the best way to create sustainable change toward healthy behavior. Starting with a package of services can give you a foundation while providing flexibility as you go.

POSITIVE RESULTS YOU CAN SEE
An important part of a good wellness program is reporting. An employer needs to know whether employees are participating, and whether they’re engaged. Your wellness partner should be regularly checking in, letting you know people are using your program and what kinds of results they’re seeing. That way, if the program needs changing or other services are called for, they can easily be implemented.

Achieving positive results is the overall goal of every wellness program. Regardless of how you start, or how different your program looks next to someone else’s, an individualized plan can help you reach your corporate and employee wellness goals in a cohesive, balanced, and beneficial way.

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