Make wellness work on the cheap: 5 ways
November 4, 2009 by Christian SchappelPosted in: Health care, Pay and benefits, Special Report - Benefits
No one’s going to throw a bunch of money at wellness these days. But there are benefits to be gained without spending a small fortune.
Try something new
There is no shortage of ways to steer employees toward healthier choices on the cheap.
Examples:
- Some companies are starting walking challenges where employees track how many steps they take each day toward a certain goal or prize
- Others are selling inexpensive fruit in the breakroom, and
- Some have started company softball or tennis teams to get folks moving.
Push something old
You don’t even necessarily have to launch a new series of efforts to get employees to live healthier.
One idea that’s worth a try: calling new attention to under-used benefits your company already has.
Examples:
- Does your insurance company offer a 24-hour nurse line? Remind workers.
- Will it reimburse gym memberships or Weight Watchers? Play it up.
What are some inexpensive ways your company has improved employee health? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
Tags: inexpensive, roi, Weight Watchers, wellness programs
November 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Our Wellness Committee sets up Lunch and Learn sessions – topics have included Protecting your Skin from the Sun (offered during the summer); Stress; Nutrition and Cooking Healthy.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:50 am
We set up a Horseshoe Pit. We just had our first annual Doubles Tournament! We drew partners out of a hat and folks from different departments actually got to know each other/spend time together when they had not had that opportunity in the past. We gave a few prizes and cash for the winners. Our next venture is to find space for a ping pong table.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
We’re still trying to get our company to reimburse gym memberships, and we’re only requesting that they reimburse a portion, not expecting all; a little help goes a long way. We have an employee assistance hotline for work/life balance…whoopee do; I guess it’s better than nothing.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:31 am
We have been working with the American Heart Association doing the Start! Workplace Walking Challenge, Lifestyle Change Awards and are planning a Health Fair. All of which are free. In addition, our EAP offers wellness related lunch-and-learn sessions as part of our regular fees and, on November 19th, we are kicking off a smoking cessation challenge which is guided by our EAP (again, no additional fees).
If you reach out to your benefits brokers/providers, there are many low-cost or free programs available, you just need to ask.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Stacey
Your EAP sounds great. Who are you using?
November 16th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi Jennifer,
Our EAP services are provided by NEAS/Life Matters. Their webste is http://www.neas.com.
We have been working with them for just over a year now and have been thoroughly impressed with all aspects of their services.
November 20th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Our EAP offers lunch and learn sessions as well. We are also working with the county extension office because they offer different classes for free. We negotiated discounted corporate rates at local gyms and offer payroll deductions for memberships. We also did the walking program last year and it was a big success. We had Weight Watchers onsite until recently. Next year, we are doing a Biggest Loser contest. Offering a Financial Peace class was easy too.