Worksite health promotion is the idea that by providing onsite health education and outreach, a company can improve the health of its most important asset: its employees. Worksite health promotion is not necessarily new, in fact according in 1987, 65% of U.S. worksites with 50 or more employees had at least one health promotion activity. Today, most large corporations have complete wellness centers, and many small- to mid-size firms offer some type of wellness program.

Employers are becoming more involved in and more strategic about promoting the health of their workers in order to see real results. A study of 8,334 employees who participated in Procter & Gamble’s health promotion program had significantly lower health care costs (29% lower total and 36% lower lifestyle-related costs) when compared with nonparticipants in the third year of the program. Similarly, in the third year of the program, participants had significantly lower inpatient costs, fewer hospital admissions, and fewer hospital days of care compared with non-participants.

Wellness teams are a great way to promote team building and leadership while enhancing the health of your staff. A worksite wellness committee is a team of employees who formally meet and plan activities to promote good health in your worksite. This team will be in charge of suggesting practical programs that will appeal to your workforce and address health needs. Your worksite wellness team should be made up of employees from all levels of the company, and the best team members are usually those who volunteer because they have a strong interest in improving the work environment.

Use these resources to get your wellness promotion started today:

Worksite Wellness Teams:

• Worksite Wellness Implementation Guide, WellSteps
  A great overview of all the components of successful worksite wellness plans, plus references to tools and programs for every budget.

• Plan to Change Worksheet, WellSteps
  A quick checklist for your wellness committee.
  

• North Carolina’s HealthSmart Worksite Wellness Toolkit, Eat Smart Move More, North Caroline
  A comprehensive worksite wellness committee handbook with step-by-step instructions to starting a wellness committee.

• The Essential Elements Of A Wellness Operating Plan, WELCOA
  Learn the seven critical elements vital in ensuring the success of your wellness initiative.
  

Comprehensive Guides on Health Promotion:

• Employer Health Asset Management, Change Agent Work Group
  A How-To Guide for implementing cost-effective employee health programs. Includes summary of organizational phases and case studies.
  
  
• Healthy Workforce 2010 and Beyond: An Essential Health Promotion Sourcebook, Partnership for Prevention
  Sourcebook for large and small employers looking to develop a comprehensive worksite health promotion program. Includes current approaches and research-supported best practices.