Sample Workplace Wellness Programs
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Seven Spokes To Wellness™ Program Ideas
Use the suggestions below to build your Comprehensive Wellness Program.
This compilation of Wellness Programs is from current research and was presented by Beverly at the Best Practices Forum.
- stress management and mental illness (especially depression, SAD as mental illness will affect 1 in 4)
- substance use and abuse programs
- smoking cessation and control
- nutrition counselling and weight control programs/posting BMI charts
- add juice dispensing machines and water coolers
- vending machines with low-calorie/healthy snack choices and nutritional information
- colour-coded cafeteria choices
- encourage breakfast - suggest choices to start the day
- healthy packed lunch ideas for adults and kids
- partnering with local restaurants for healthy lunch choices
- healthy recipes on-line
- healthy or low-cost cooking programs/healthy shopping instruction
- naturopaths, homeopaths, herbal remedies and vitamins
- information sessions on fad diets
- active living and fitness programs such as a aerobics, walking or cycling clubs
- self-defense
- relaxation training and energy specialists
- chiropractors
- stretching classes such as yoga, tai chi
- active living challenges
- walking challenges with pedometers/stair climbing challenge
- sleep and sleep disorders e.g. snoring
- napping information and sleep rooms
- alertness and driving sessions
- encouraging light breaks
- information sessions on STD's, insect bites, memory enhancement, motion sickness, healthy skin/psoriasis, gingivitis and mouth care, hair loss, ear infections, fever, TMJ, varicose veins, shingles, defensive driving, sun safety, avoiding home and vehicle theft, food safety/handwashing
- violence in the workplace
- equity in the workplace
- harassment policy and training
- literacy/numeracy programs
- professional development and skill enhancing training
- air quality and sick building testing
- smoke-free workplace
- fire safety, hazard control and WHIMS Training
- injury prevention, CPR/First Aid, emergency response programs
- improved signage
- installing guard rails
- work station design, ergonomic and repetitive strain reduction training/stretching
- health and safety written and implemented policies/Safety Audits
- access to bike racks, showers and change areas
- make stairs attractive and post signs to encourage their use
- shift work strategies related to lighting, noise, air, breaks etc.
- childcare and eldercare programs and information
- family planning information
- parenting classes
- retirement planning
- personal responsibility leave
- alternative work arrangements such as telecommuting, job sharing
- work-family-life transition support
- anger management and family violence
- budgeting, financial counselling, tax preparation
- money safety tips - ATMS, credit cards, understanding credit reports
- advertising and promotion of community support groups
- cafeteria take-out program
- will, power of attorney, and estate experts
- vacation planning and safe travel
- bereavement information
- shift work and lifestyle programs
- limiting overtime
- balance on-line suggestions such as SC Johnson
- family days - bike rodeos, BBQ, picnics
- charity information - United Way, MADD
- other information sessions on chemical free lawn and garden care, menopause, infertility, lice prevention, poisoning, fire safety, seat belts and booster seats, playground safety, internet safety, home safety and energy efficiency, swimming pool safety
- clearly communicated vision and mission
- clear and accurate job descriptions and supportive appraisal system
- employee empowerment through decision-making, pace of work and connection to corporate goals, (on-line tools that connect to goals such as Baxter Healthcare)
- two-way communication training
- 'no lunch hour' meeting rules unless it is a lunch 'n' learn
- absenteeism and attendance program
- career tracking, (on-line tools like Pfizer)
- continuing education
- job rotation, special project assignments
- time management and interruption management
- change and complaint process
- email and technology guidelines and training
- vacation usage
- shift work rotations and breaks
- conflict management skills
- handling negative attitudes workshops
- Management training - scheduling, incentive and recognition programs, workload impact, communication and feedback skills, conflict management skills and support skills, priority setting
- access to an EAP
- on-site medical services
- workplace medical examinations
- health risk screening and counselling including blood pressure, blood cholesterol ,blood glucose clinics, thyroid, bone density screening, prostrate
- encourage self-exams - breasts, testicles
- medical surveillance programs
- immunization and flu shots
- disability case management
- active rehabilitation and return to work initiatives
- self-care education (see health living programs)
- disease management information and presentations including diabetes, stomach disorder, arthritis, asthma, allergy, pain control, foot and back care programs, chronic fatigue, migraines
- health on-line with continuous learning/reminders/tips
- fitness appraisals
- health and safety fairs
- hand-washing tips and reminders
- visiting your doctor guide - tips to efficiency
- links and information on help lines
- alternative therapy coverage - massage - try an on-site massage therapist or seated massage breaks
- orthotics
- orthodontics
- fitness subsidies
- education subsidies
- cessation and weight control partial reimbursement incentives
- safety shoe reimbursement
- out-of-country coverage
- vision care
- fitness breaks and stretches
- team challenges and corporate sport teams such as soccer, volleyball, and hockey
- use employees who are in-house experts e.g., gardening, yoga, construction
- celebrate birthdays, anniversaries - other significant dates and achievements
- 5 minute catch up at the beginning
