Seven Spokes To Wellness™: Sample Workplace Wellness Programs

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Seven Spokes To Wellness™ Program Ideas

Use the suggestions below to enhance your Comprehensive Wellness Program.
This compilation of Wellness Programs is from current research and was presented by Beverly at the Best Practices Forum.
This is not a complete list, but it can certainly help you to evaluate the programs you do have and see where you may need to add programs.

Living Healthy Programs

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

Environment Strategies

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.

Attaining Balance Programs

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

Dynamics & Culture Strategies

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

Employee Health Services

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

Remuneration & Benefits

Support Building

Note:

Utilize these critical components of a comprehensive workplace wellness program to promote the health and wellness of your employees and the success of your organization. Develop appropriate stress management strategies to decrease the causes of stress and the stress symptoms within your workplace by drawing on the S-O-S Principle^TM and Seven Spokes To Organizational Wellness^TM.

Tip: It is important that you ensure that you implement the right workplace wellness strategies for your organization, as opposed to getting caught in the flavour-of-the-day trap.

If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!

Additional Resources

Corporate Wellness E-briefs

Building A Well Workplace – Four Reasons Why Health Promotion Makes Good Business Sense

Corporate Wellness Programs – A Business Case

Workplace Wellness: Critical Questions In Putting Wellness Programs Together

Workplace Wellness: Measuring Wellness Outcomes

Workplace Wellness: 5 Reasons Why Excellent Programs Fail

Workplace Wellness: Moving From Health Promotion To A Healthy Organization

Boosting Your Wellness Programs To The Next Level