Workplace Wellness Programs: Focus on Health Education Activities

1.    Have a current policy outlining the requirements and functions of a broad-based Workplace Wellness Program.

2.    Have a wellness plan in place that addresses the purpose, nature, duration, resources necessary, participants in, and expected results of a Workplace Wellness Program.

3.    Orient employees to the Workplace Wellness Program and give them copies of the physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use policies.

4.    Promote and encourage worker participation in the physical activity/fitness and nutrition education/weight management program.

5.    Offer health education information to employees.

6.    Have a Workplace Wellness Programs committee that meets at least once a month to oversee the Workplace Wellness Program.

7.    Offer regular health education presentations on various physical activity, nutrition, and wellness-related topics. Ask voluntary health associations, healthcare providers, and/or public health agencies to offer worksite education classes.

8.    Host a Health Fair as a kick-off event or as a celebration for completion of a wellness campaign.

9.    Designate specific areas to support employees such as diabetics and nursing mothers.

10.   Conduct preventive health screenings for blood pressure, body composition, blood cholesterol, and diabetes.

11.   Offer confidential Health Risk Assessments / Health Risk Appraisals.

12.   Offer worksite weight management/maintenance initiatives for employees.

13.   Offer weight management/maintenance, nutrition, and physical activity counseling as a member benefit in health insurance contracts.