Just a decade or so ago, corporate wellness vendors had a hard time selling their products to employers. Organizational leaders and their HR departments were not entirely convinced that wellness programs could save them money. No one discounted the logic of a healthy workforce needing less medical care, but the notion of a corporate wellness program bringing about this result was still unproven. The quantitative data was not there. But employers later had a change of heart. After non-stop increases in health insurance premiums, they decided to embrace workplace wellness programs.

Today, terms like health risk assessments, biometric screenings, and online wellness tools are as familiar to employees as annual performance reviews. And like the annual review process, some wellness programs have become just another thing put together by the HR department. Some of these wellness programs are rarely communicated to employees or evaluated for their usefulness. This is unfortunate for employers and employees because both groups have an interest in keeping these programs relevant.

Employers. All workplace wellness programs cost employers some money. Employers can lose the actual dollars they spend on workplace wellness initiatives. They can also lose any potential savings that an exciting and relevant workplace wellness program may bring. In addition, employers can lose employee support and enthusiasm for workplace wellness initiatives.

Employees. Not everyone appreciates a workplace wellness program. Some consider these programs an intrusion on their personal lives. However, employees have a lot to gain from a well-run workplace wellness program. These programs can help employees and their immediate family members improve their overall health and wellbeing. Employees can use the program to lose weight, learn about wellness and nutrition science, and create a support team to help meet their goals.

Keep Your Workplace Wellness Program Working For You
If you value your workplace wellness program, you can play a role in keeping it interesting and relevant.

Express your appreciation. Your employer may not know the extent to which you value their workplace wellness efforts. If they knew the program was appreciated they might be more likely to work to sustain and improve it.

Share your positive results. If you health has improved because of your participation in a workplace wellness program, say or do something.

Join your workplace wellness committee, become a wellness champion, write a wellness article for the company newsletter or web site.

Stay informed. Read the latest wellness and nutrition research and share this information with your Wellness Coordinator or committee.

Review fitness and nutrition mobile apps and suggest their addition to your wellness program. Fitness and nutrition apps can be a popular and inexpensive addition to any wellness program.

If you think a boring workplace wellness program is just what the doctor ordered, think again. Wellness programs need to evolve. That means keeping what works and discontinuing what does not. Also, wellness programs must keep up with wellness and nutrition science or risk operating under the wrong assumptions. In addition, employer wellness programs must continue to address their original failing, providing valid proof of their worth. You can help.