A Guide to 10 Great Wellness Program Ideas and Initiatives
Why You Need a Wellness Program
Most companies are adapting a wholesome approach in the treatment of their employees, and because of this, quite a few human resource practitioners are on the look out for great wellness program ideas and initiatives that can fit their organization and address the overall needs of the workforce.
According to William Hettler’s study at the National Wellness Institute at the University of Wisconsin, there are various dimensions to an employees needs, they are:
- Physical - which includes fitness and nutrition.
- Occupational - which includes career and vocation.
- Emotional - which includes affect and sympathy.
- Social - which includes family and community.
- Intellectual - which includes knowledge and wisdom.
- Spiritual - which includes values and ethics.
10 Wellness Program Ideas and Initiatives
1. Fitness Program
Current research clearly shows that the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of a person’s life profoundly affect the immune system, healing, and health. Maintaining fitness is very important and this can be done through proper exercise.
A great place to begin is by starting a company gym or allowing a fitness instructor to conduct classes before or after work. Check out this article on how to start an office exercise group.
Additionally, incorporating meditation activities such as yoga and tai chi would be a great enhancement to any wellness program, they are touted to do wonders for the nervous system and a person’s temperament.
Massage & Sporting Activities
2. Massage
Massage is seen as a luxuriant indulgence to many, but it is actually a great therapeutic addition to all wellness program ideas. There are several massage techniques that are beneficial for people on the job. A massage is a great stress reliever and can affect the recipient emotionally and physically. Some companies have an in-house massage room where various types of massages can be offered. Barring the availability of an in-house massage therapy room, the service can be outsourced as part of a wellness program. Check out these benefits of massage.
3. Sporting Activities
Sporting activities are a great addition to any wellness program; they promote team building and engender camaraderie among staff members. Competitions can be arranged between departments in any sporting area. Other exercises such as: squash, tennis or swimming are also beneficial and depending on the budget and space, you can install your own courts and pool.
Nutrition
4. Nutrition Program
Proper nutrition has a host of benefits to a workplace: the workforce can be healthier, which means less sick days, added
energy, and less lethargy when the right foods are eaten. Health seminars are a good way to make the workforce aware of how to prepare balanced meals, this can be done both in-house or out. Lobby for a nutritionist to work with the staff cafeteria and ensure that concessionary stands serve healthy options like fruits or vegetables.
More Wellness Program Ideas
5. Career Training
Most persons have ambitions for advancement in their careers. Training seminars in-house or out can have a positive effect on a person who attends training. Job rotation or cross training can reduce boredom and expand a person’s skillset.
6. Skills Training
You can look at employees’ interests or skills and send them to a training program to enhance or hone these skills when the opportunities arise, even if the skills are not related to their current job.
7. Counseling
Make professional counseling available to the workforce. Some companies go as far as to hire full time counselors while others will subsidize the cost of counseling. This wellness service is very beneficial to employees especially in times of grief.
8. Company Socials and Trips
This is a great way for interaction between co-workers and it can be done on a small or large scale for employees only or with invitation to family and friends.
9. Volunteerism
Adopt a cause and allow employees to give back to the community. There are several causes and charities. Choose something that will be easily accessible by staff and would welcome the expertise of your organization.
10. Child care Facilities and After School Home Work Programs
One of the major concerns of most working parents is what to do with children after school. If a company offers child care facilities for toddlers or after school homework programs for the older ones, then that would be one less worry for working parents.
Starting a wellness program can have implications on cost, so a cost-benefit analysis is crucial before attempting this venture and most importantly, conduct a needs analysis for a specific department or the company on a whole to see if your wellness program ideas are a perfect fit.
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