A recent study confirmed what the Kapnick Wellness Team has been observing firsthand for quite some time — that worksite wellness programs are most effective in companies that implement a consistent, all-inclusive culture of health and a clear communications strategy.

The study, “Promoting Healthy Workplaces by Building Cultures of Health and Applying Strategic Communications,” published in the February edition of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM), states that tactical communications are becoming one of the most important components for those seeking to create and maintain effective worksite wellness programs.

The journal article cites one study that found using strategic communications was one of two most important factors in increasing employee participation and engagement in wellness programs.

According to the article, organizations with frequent and well-articulated communication campaigns were able to spend significantly less on financial incentives and still achieve high participation rates.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION TIPS

As a consultant and provider of worksite wellness programs, our wellness team assists our clients in creating impactful employee wellness programs. We’ve learned the most effective wellness communications strategies use several approaches and tie into as many existing channels as possible.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

• Create wellness bulletin boards near employee break rooms that include information about the employee health program, wellness tips and healthy recipes.
• Creating and distributing posters, flyers, desk drops, and table tents to promote wellness activities throughout
  the year.
• Posting a one-page “Stall Street Journal” in company bathroom stalls with health tips.
• Delivering leadership speaking points to managers so they can share during team meetings.
• Sending mailings to employees’ homes multiple times a year to remind employees (and their spouses) with health tips and reminders.
• Have a wellness committee member or someone from your wellness provider greet employees at the employee entrance during shift changes. During this face-to-face time, distribute program information, fresh fruit and other incentives to promote current and upcoming wellness programs.

If your current wellness provider is not assisting you with a communication strategy, please contact Kapnick Insurance Group. Our dedicated Wellness Team and Corporate Communications Team  will provide you with the expertise, creativity and direction needed to build an effective communication plan.