Three features of a successful workplace wellness program

As a business owner, if you could make a fairly simple change in the way your business runs that would result in higher productivity, more satisfied employees and less sick days among your staff, would you? And what if that change also netted positive dollars to the company's bottom line?

I propose incorporating a wellness program into your business culture that emphasizes health, prevention and a proactive approach to the kinds of medical and injury issues that hurt a business.

Examples of formal wellness programs that succeed in improving workforce productivity include such diverse companies as Google, Johnson and Johnson and Wegmans Foods. Employers large and small increasingly report satisfaction after instituting similar wellness programs, and a hefty price tag is not required to promote health. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review, companies that invest in wellness programs gain $2 to $4 in profit for every dollar invested.

Many wellness programs take direct aim at challenging problems such as tobacco abuse and obesity (two problems that account for a high percentage of medical absenteeism and sick days). Programs can go further by taking proactive steps to prevent workplace injury, combat alcohol over-use and promote vaccinations.

Here are three successful features to keep in mind when promoting workplace health:

Financial incentives

Incentives include cash payments, reductions of healthcare premiums, gift cards, trips and other prizes closely tied to participation and success with specific measureable wellness goals.

* Offer the employee a path to follow for smoking cessation and weight reduction/weight management and then create financial incentives for employees who stick to the program, quit smoking and achieve a healthier weight.

* Reward employees who take advantage of workplace safety instruction courses and educational opportunities.

* Incentivize physical fitness and measureable activities such as participation in exercise and athletic competitions. Competitions similar to the Biggest Loser can be adapted to the workplace and create a supportive environment.

Team Activities

A business can accomplish dual goals of promoting the business and promoting the health of the office by organizing a team to participate in community run and walking charity events. This is a great opportunity for creative T-shirts, team bonding and some grassroots advertising for a business. Northern Nevada has a plethora of runs (from 5Ks to marathons) that employees can train for as a team.

Convenience

My take on "build it and they will come" is "make it available, and they will use it." Don't underestimate convenience.

* Encourage (and provide) jump roping and walking breaks during work hours.

* Provide healthy snacks and alternatives to sodas.

* Host weekly boot camps or fitness classes, held at the office.

* Give (appropriate) time off for vaccinations or flu shots. Or fund a visit by a nurse to provide.

More than ever before, businesses, healthcare providers and regulators recognize the benefit, both to the employees and to the business, of promoting health in the office or place of business. Studies of workplace wellness efforts demonstrate that employers achieve reduced health-related costs and increased retention rates of good employees when they implement such a program. Employers increasingly recognize prevention and wellness as company values that improve productivity and increase the bottom line.

Dr. Kent Sasse is author of Life-Changing Weight Loss and physician at Sasse Surgical and Associates. Contact him at drsasse@kentsasse.com or 775-829-7999.