Internal Wellness Programs in the Corporate Environment: Success and Failures Elizabeth Campbell, MPH, ATC Wellness/Fitness Supervisor BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Objectives Introduce several worksite wellness resources, focusing on WELCOA s Seven Benchmarks for Success Share programming ideas for employee wellness and corporate fitness Discuss several challenges that many employee wellness programs face
WELCOA (Wellness Councils of America) Established as not-for-profit organization in the 1980 s Strives to improve the health and well-being of all working Americans WELCOA believes:» Healthcare costs are an issue of significant concern.» A healthy workforce is essential to America's continued growth and prosperity.» Much of the illness in the U.S. is directly preventable.» The workplace is an ideal setting to address health and well-being.» Workplace wellness programs can transform corporate culture and change lives.
WELCOA- Free Resources Free 14-day trail available Expert Interviews Case studies Presentations Incentive Campaigns Helpful websites E-newsletter Posters, newsletters, books, brochures available for purchase
WELCOA- Subscriber Resources Subscriber resources» Membership- $365/year» $125/year additional for additional memberships within the same company
WELCOA- Subscriber Resources Well Workplace University Wellness Training Webinars SWELL- Social Networking for Wellness Professionals Comprehensive incentive campaigns Absolute Advantage online Monthly expert interviews Reproducible health bulletins Annual Buyer s Guide Discounted pricing Presentations Tools and Surveys Well Workplace Checklist
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #1: Capturing CEO Support When the CEO gets behind wellness initiatives, things begin to change.» 4 Characteristics of Capturing Senior Level Support CEO s communication practices regarding wellness CEO s resource allocation practices CEO s delegation practices CEO s personal health promotion practices Be prepared to provide information about the benefits of employee wellness.
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #2: Creating Cohesive Wellness Teams Programs cannot be successful when only one person is responsible for the organization s wellness initiatives» 2 Characteristics of Creating a Cohesive Wellness Team The wellness team s history and composition The wellness team s method of operation Keep different locations, job functions, shifts and company tenure in mind when creating a Wellness Team.
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #3: Collecting Data to Drive Health Efforts You can t change what you can t measure 4 Steps to Collecting Data to Drive A Results-Oriented Wellness Initiative» Organizational data (modifiable health care claims and demographics)» Employee health data (health interest, health risk appraisal information and health screening data, health knowledge)» Physical environment data (workstation ergonomics, cafeteria set up, and heating/ventilation)» Employee protection and productivity data (absenteeism, disability, workers compensation)
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #4: Carefully Crafting an Operating Plan 7 Components of an Exceptional Operating Plan» Vision/Mission Statement for the Wellness Program that incorporates the organization s core philosophies» Specific goals and measureable objectives that are linked to the company s strategic priorities» Timelines for implementation» Roles and responsibilities for completion of objectives» Itemized budget sufficient to carry out the Wellness Plan» Appropriate marketing strategies to effectively promote the Wellness Plan» Evaluation procedures to measure the goals and objectives
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #5: Choosing Appropriate Interventions 5 Issues to Consider When Choosing Appropriate Health Interventions» What programs will be offered» How intensive the intervention will be (awareness, education, behavior change, cultural enhancement)» How often the programs will be offered» Who they will be offered to (spouses, dependents, retirees)» What incentives will be used to increase participation
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #6: Creating a Supporting Environment 9 Steps to Creating a Supportive, Health-Promoting Environment» Increase physical activity» Reduce tobacco use» Promote better nutrition» Improve workstation ergonomics» Reduce unintended on-the-job injuries» Extinguish the use of alcohol and other drugs» Better manage and reduce job-related stress» Increase participation among all employees» Maintain organization benefits that protect and promote good health among all employees
WELCOA Seven Benchmarks of Success Benchmark #7: Carefully Evaluating Outcomes 8 Targets to Monitor When Carefully Evaluating Outcomes» Participation» Participant Satisfaction» Improvements in Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors» Changes in Biometric Measures» Risk Factors» Physical Environment and Corporate Culture» Productivity» Return on Investment
National Wellness Institute Comprehensive vision of wellness Six Dimensions of Wellness Model
National Wellness Institute- Free Resources Wellness news feed Press Releases Health Observances Calendar Free Holistic Lifestyle Questionnaires through TestWell.org» Teen, College, Adult, Older Adult Academic wellness program information
National Wellness Institute- Subscriber Resources Subscriber Resources» Organizational Core Membership- $275/year» Organizational Core Membership Plus- $375/year Online publications:» Health Promotion Practitioner (bi-monthly)» Wellness Management (archived)» Wellness News You Can Use (monthly)» Ask the expert (archived) Free monthly webinars (CEUs available) Current research abstracts Job Connection Discounts» National Wellness Conference registration.» NWI Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist and Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager Certification Programs.
Free Resources US Department of Health and Human Services HHS.gov HHS HealthBeat- Recorded tips with audio
Free Resources US Department of Health and Human Services HHS.gov Today s Headlineshealthfinder.gov
Free Resources US Department of Health and Human Services HHS.gov HHS Newsroom- Press Releases
Free Resources MedlinePlus» Topic-specific e-mails Heart Disease Nutrition Physical Activity Obesity Sports Injuries Many others
Free Resources- AHIP Wellness SmartBrief Daily e-mail with up-todate wellness trends and program ideas Excellent for new wellness programs or established programs looking for fresh ideas
CDC LeanWorks
Free Resources Eat Smart, Move More South Carolina» Options for Action- Workplace LiveWell Greenville South Carolina Hospital Association North Carolina Prevention Partners American Heart Association WorkWellNC
Corporate Wellness Challenges Lack of Senior-Level Support» Key to changing policy, environment and culture Large businesses Multiple locations Multiple shifts Limited staff We want But the company down the street does it
Increase Opportunities for Program Success Take the time to plan» Long-term» Short-term Define success during planning phase Carefully determine which programs have the most potential impact Forecast potential challenges Utilize your passionate employees Get the requesters involved Use programs that can affect several aspects of health rather than one specific condition
Limit Opportunities for Program Failure Trying to do it all» Internal experts» Vendors Policing unhealthy behaviors Moving on to the next program before evaluating the current program.» After-action review is key Assuming an incentive will guarantee program success Not allotting time for test phase» Technology» Products» Communications
Our Wellness Initiatives Health Risk Assessments Health Screenings Flu shots Newsletters Blood Drives Weight Watchers Lunch and Learn presentations Onsite Massage Mobile Mammography Healthy Eating Programs Onsite Farmer s Market Discounted Fitness Center Memberships to off-site employees Onsite Fitness Centers» Group Exercise» Fitness Assessments and Curriculums» Special events and clinics» Online wellness platform» Usage incentive