As you begin to develop your workplace wellness program, bear in mind that one-size does not fit all. What works for a small company may not fly at a larger organization, and what works in a manufacturing facility may not be conducive in an office setting.
It’s critical that you customize your program to your company’s culture. Because your employees spend half of their waking hours each day at work, it’s important to understand how your work environment influences their behaviors and ultimately impacts their success.
Take a look at your company’s demographics and culture. The structure of your organization as well as its shared vision, beliefs and norms can provide useful insights on which program components and methods of communication would be most effective.
Also observe your physical environment. The physical make-up of your operations impacts how employees engage in activities at work and with one another. It also impacts the way they feel.
For example, do you have space for an onsite fitness center? If not, do your employees have access to walking trails or a park?
Workplace wellness is a dynamic process. It’s also one that requires input and support at all levels in your organization. It isn’t achieved overnight, but once you attain a healthy culture, your employees and your company will reap many rewards.
Ryan Picarella is manager of corporate wellness for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.