Being Flexible
When one considers all of the changes affecting workplace wellness programs today, it makes sense that the best program will be a flexible one. They will need to be built to allow for modifications so you can continue to engage employees over the long run.
Workplace wellness programs will increasingly need to be design-flexible, time-flexible and communication-flexible. Here are some things to think about as you design your program:
Design-Flexible: Are you launching a program at the time of year that’s most likely to ensure maximum participation? Will certain factors such as weather and climate affect participation? For example, if you’re kicking off a physical activity program, you’ll want to take extreme cold or hot seasons into consideration when you communicate participation ideas to employees. Not everyone is a snow bunny or beach lover so make sure you offer relevant and various suggestions to maximize participation in the program.
What about events in your community that could boost or hamper early participation? Organizing a corporate team to participate in a local charity walk, for example, could be a great way to leverage a timely, local event and to rally your workforce to participate.
Time-Flexible
Once you decide to implement a new wellness initiative, when do you want to introduce it to your workforce to make sure you are maximizing your investment? Time flexibility means having the ability to separate wellness initiatives from other employee programs, such as open enrollment, if need be.
Communication-Flexible
Are you taking advantage of all of the ways you can promote your wellness program in today’s world? Promoting your program in multiple ways is key to great participation. Consider communicating digitally, including emails, text messages, Web portal communications and social media, as well as print materials (posters, letters, etc.).
Contact me for more information on how to design a wellness program for your workplace.
Sarah Szul
Health Solutions Manager
888-263-4656x1196
sarah.szul@kapnick.com
