Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 D E C E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 F O C U S H R / R E C R U I T M E N T H OW TO B Y D I A N E A B R A M S O N A well-designed workplace well- ness program can signifi cantly reduce employer health care costs while increasing employee retention, motiva- tion and morale. Wellness programs have been shown to reduce absenteeism, employee stress, workers' compensation and disability costs and staff turnover. According to a 2017 survey conducted by United Benefi t Advisors, annual health care premiums have risen to $18,764 for a plan, with employers pay- ing an average of $13,050 per employee. Organizations can signifi cantly shrink their health care costs by providing well- ness programs that focus on health edu- cation, behavioral change and increased physical activity. Changes in health hab- its will appreciably postpone and prevent the onset of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high choles- terol, depression and anxiety. ere are resources available that can guide companies in formulating, communicating, educating and promot- ing an eff ective workplace wellness program. Before prescribing physical activity and healthy living, make sure to provide the tools that employees will need to be successful. Tips for Implementing a successful workplace wellness program: 1 Conduct a needs assessment: Invite your staff to participate in a workplace wellness survey. is survey will help your organization determine what its employees' want from a health promotion program. A healthier workplace cannot be sustained without a culture that supports change, allows its employ- ees to practice healthy lifestyle behaviors and promotes improved lifestyle choices. 2 Obtain managerial support: It is crucial that managers embrace the workplace wellness program and allow their employees to partici- pate without prejudice or retali- ation. By providing a workplace wellness program, companies are off ering tangible benefi ts to their workforce and deconstructing bar- riers to healthier living. 3 Create a wellness committee: Committee members should repre- sent a diverse group of individuals from a cross-section of the organiza- tion. Be open to volunteers who are already active and passionate about wellness as well as those health seek- ers who are eager to pursue a more salutary lifestyle. e wellness com- mittee will be responsible for set- ting clear and defi ned goals for the initiative, implementing programs that promote a healthy work envi- ronment and culture of wellness and providing a link between the well- ness program and the employees. 4 Implement programs: Select programs that are inclusive and that motivate change by increas- ing employee's knowledge, chal- lenge beliefs and infl uence attitudes. 'Wellness' should include fi nancial wellness, mental health support, stress reduction, workplace ergo- nomics and nutrition education. Implementing a wellness program can be relatively inexpensive. Reach out to your workforce for pr ogram leaders. Off er incentives to your staff who participate.Work in teams and hold each other accountable. 5 Comply with federal and state law: Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, HIPAA and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act may infl u- ence or impact your program. Consult a human resources expert or lawyer prior to implementing your wellness program. 6 Reevaluate your program: Survey your workforce quarterly and be open and responsive to all feedback. Constantly assess your employee's needs and preferences. Collect met- rics and review data annually. Although seemingly overwhelming, implementing a workplace wellness program can produce limitless fi nan- cial, cultural and employee engage- ment rewards. Diane AbramsOn is the director of HR consulting at LDT Human Capital Solutions, a sister company of Springborn Staffi ng, located in Portland. She can be reached at DabramsOn@sPrinGbOrnstaFFinG.cOm. Implement a successful workplace wellness program 70 SPEAKERS. 50 SESSIONS. 4 DAYS. The Annual Maine HR Convention Samoset Resort | Rockport, ME May 8 - 11, 2018 MaineHRConvention.com Learn from the innovators shaping the future of work. Attend any number of days. Financing that fuels progress for all. Local lender and national leader in rural business development To work with us or apply for a loan, call 207-504-5900 or visit CEI has committed millions of dollars to growing good jobs, supporting environmental sustainability and creating shared prosperity in Maine and across the country since 1977.

• Cover