Employee Health and Wellness

Worksites do not exist in a vacuum. They are part and parcel of the community in which they are located. Successful corporate administrators are cognizant of the need for positive community relations and should do what is necessary to promote good will. What better way to bridge relationships than by utilizing existing community Employee Health Promotion Program services and initiatives whenever possible (e.g., voluntary, private and public health agencies) and providing health related services back to the community. Since the community is also the home of the worker, an effective mode of health promotion is through programming directed at the larger community. Sponsorship of community related health fairs is one example more are listed below.

• Encourages worker/employer involvement in the community
Blood drives
Sponsorship of fund raising for community schools and social services
Community recycling initiatives
Youth league sports sponsorship
Job training initiatives
• Public relations and media initiatives advertising a healthy employer image
• employer newsletters and press releases on health issues to local media
• Environmentally sound use of waste disposal and community resources

To effectively manage your Employee Health Promotion Program resources, first determine the resources you need and the resources you have. Then develop a plan to fill the resource gaps.

What Employee Health Promotion Program resources do you need?
 • Make a list of staff members, materials, equipment, space, and logistical support.
 • Be as specific as possible.
 • Include partnerships that will be needed to make the Employee Health Promotion Program happen.

Identify available Employee Health Promotion Program resources.
 • Use materials that exist or are already on hand. Resist the temptation to start from scratch!
 • Determine what other departments already have.
 • Contact DHPW/HPPI to find out what other installations have done.
 • Know where to borrow or get free materials.
 • Use local or internal resources whenever possible.
 • Look for opportunities to cut and/or share costs.

Develop a strategy to fill Employee Health Promotion Program resource gaps.
 • Partner with as many staff members and employers as you can. Emphasize what’s in it for them.
  o Example: use a Physical Therapist to teach a back health class.
 • Take advantage of community organizations and coalitions.
 • Use volunteers as frequently as possible.
  o Red Cross volunteers, medical interns or nursing students can supplement your manpower.

Former Employee Health Promotion Program members make good guest speakers.
 • Keep a list of subject matter experts who will provide input for free so you can avoid the expense of an outside contractor or consultant.

Look for innovative Employee Health Promotion Program opportunities.
 • Other funding opportunities may exist at your facility.
  o Example: if there is a book fair, see if you can apply to receive some of the proceeds.
 • Ask the unit to contribute resources to Employee Health Promotion Programs directly started at the unit level.
 • Get to know the contracting person at your installation. They frequently know the least expensive places to obtain many different kinds of materials.
 • Look for “recycling” possibilities.
  o Example: IMD may be able to give you old computer workstations for use with electronic health assessments.

Good communication will help you find more partners and volunteers.
 • Get the word out to the community about your Employee Health Promotion Programs.
 • Describe what you are doing and how you are doing it.
 • Presentation is everything. Keep information current and use lots of visual aids.

All Employee Health Promotion Programs require resources. Some resources you will already have. Some resources you will have to find. Sometimes you will have to make something out of very little. Smart strategies can maximize your Wellness resources.