Why is it so important to promote workplace wellness programs? In a nutshell, so you can have healthy employees. And healthy employees are productive ones and productive employees are GOOD for your bottom line. But you may be asking: Is it really that important? Well, consider just a few facts.

If you’re a risk-manager, it’s important to understand that if employees are unhealthy outside of work, they bring that into the workplace. Yes, their unhealthiness outside follows them to the workplace. This results in an increase in work-related injuries. Here are a few more facts. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity was 42.4% in 2017 – 2018. That’s out of control and there’s no end in sight. In addition, over 8% of deaths were attributed to inadequate levels of physical activity. And finally, there are a growing number of stress-related health issues being reported.

As a result of these signs, many organizations are taking a proactive approach with their employees. Their aim is to assist them with workplace wellness programs. So, what type of steps or programs could be used to accomplish this goal?

Workplace Wellness Programs – Top 10 Ways to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Create a cross-promotional health and safety program.
2. Employees should get regular health, nutrition, and safety advice, if possible, every month.
3. Every three months include instructional health and safety workshops on the schedule.
4. Offer rewards to workers who meet health-related goals or stay injury-free for a specified period of time.
5. Make a safety lecture part of your wellness seminars.
6. Provide staff with individualized health profile assessments to determine their risk factors. Screenings for BMI, glucose, bone density, cholesterol, and other important tests should be included.
7. Incorporate periodic company challenges as a way to encourage weight reduction and physical exercise.
8. Offer self-help resources and personalized health counseling.
9. Have your employees check in with the wellness program coordinator if they become injured at work.
10. Both risk and workers’ comp managers should direct employees to health and wellness services.

For more information and resources on how you can create an effective safety and health program, talk to TPG Insurance Services today at 909.466.7876. Don’t forget to also check out more of our content tailored-made for your needs, like our Workers’ Compensation Insurance webpage!