Apr. 10, 2009 at 3:41pm

Employees ready for wellness at work

Posted by Guest Blogger in Declassified
Comments (1)

“Walk your way to a size 6!” teases a magazine headline.

But by now you’re already salivating over the photo of the four-layer chocolate cake also featured on the cover.

Healthy lifestyle information is so common, it has become easy to ignore. Recent research confirms that health care industry employees are tired of just reading about making healthy choices. They are ready to take action, and they would appreciate a nudge from their employers.

Employees’ attitudes about a healthy workplace were the core of focus groups that JayRay recently completed with employees of a national health care provider.

Healthy habits mean a healthy budget
According to a recent survey of 489 U.S. large employers, consulting firm Watson Wyatt found that two-thirds of employers cite their employees’ poor health habits as a considerable challenge to managing health care costs. 

Leadership support and effective communication will help employees feel more comfortable about taking greater responsibility for their health, said Helen Darling, National Business Group on Health president.

Confidential questionnaires can guide the way
OK, employees are ready to lace up their sneakers and make positive changes. How does an organization choose activities to get the best results?

Confidential employee health risk assessments can help uncover the topics and programs that would benefit the most people. Combined results from all employees could help you see the benefits of a walking competition, stress-reducing classes or diabetes education.

While employees remain cautious about their employer knowing too much about their health status, people in our focus groups said they would welcome programs that make healthy choices easier.

A few ideas:

· Make the cafeteria salads more affordable when compared with a cheeseburger and fries.

· Develop an easy method for starting a walking club or weight-loss competition.

· Schedule free cooking classes that incorporate fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.

· Install a few treadmills for employee use.

We’ve all gotten smarter about healthy lifestyle choices in the past few years. Maybe now is the time to measure your employees’ willingness to take the next step and become a healthier workplace.

Jackie Zils is an advisor at JayRay

Comments (1)

Some employees have a hard time getting over their distrust that personal health information will remain confidential. It's no surprise that they are more likely to participate if it's clear what's in it for them, such as a financial incentive. I wonder if there is a way to promise size 6 AND the chocolate cake. I'd be all over that!
1 | Left by Kathleen Deakins | Apr. 11, 2009 at 5:25pm

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