Take the time to plan Workplace Wellness Programs before they are started.
Effective planning enables better use of all your resources. Include all the steps below when you plan a Wellness activity.
• Do your homework – Identify the science and research that support your initiatives. Look for similar Workplace Wellness Programs that already exist.
• Determine the specific health need(s) – Use these needs to target initiatives to problems that are an issue for your population.
• Organize a team – A team is a resource multiplier. Network and build as many partnerships as you can.
• Make a plan, but don’t start completely from scratch. Make a written plan for your Workplace Wellness Program. Look for every opportunity to take advantage of resources that already exist. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
• Select a focus – Choose one or two main target areas for Workplace Wellness Programs. Address all five stages of change in the target areas rather than trying to hit every possible Wellness topic.
• Determine your resources – What assets do you have? What assets will you need? How can you fill the gaps?
• Get Upper Management support – Think like Upper Management. Communicate the value of Wellness from Upper Management’s perspective.
• Begin the activity- Be flexible. Be prepared for unexpected challenges.
• Market the activity – Keep your Workplace Wellness Program visible for Upper Management, line and medical personnel, Workplace Wellness Program members, and potential partners and volunteers.
• Collect and analyze outcomes – Outcomes indicate Workplace Wellness Program impact. Begin with just a few outcomes – you don’t have to collect everything. Remember that it’s never too late to start measuring Workplace Wellness Program impact.
• Assess, improve and re-evaluate – Use participant feedback and Workplace Wellness Program outcomes to determine Workplace Wellness Program impact. Identify areas in need of improvement. Use outcomes to determine if expended resources were worth the results.
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