Increasing Employee Engagement in Worksite Well-Being Programs
It can be frustrating for wellness committees that spend hours planning healthy activities when only a handful of people show up. It may seem like participating in worksite well-being programs would be a no-brainer however time and time again, employers see the same small group of individuals at all events.
According to Forbes.com, a UnitedHealthcare consumer study of 609 nationwide full-time employees shows 70% of employees were interested in taking proactive steps to improve their health and wellness – so where’s the disconnect? A lot of it has to do with time, simplicity, and education. While employers may believe their workplace well-being program guidelines and incentives are easy to understand, individuals may be confused as to why they should get involved. There may be too many choices thus overwhelming those new to the program.
It is important to understand the needs and interests of your workforce before beginning a well-being program. This can easily be done with a short survey or onsite focus groups. Once identified, these are some simple tips that can increase participation in your well-being program:
- Offer time during the workday for employees to participate in well-being activities (consider 30 minutes a week for them to spend on wellness activities)
- Provide healthy food options in vending machines, breakrooms and onsite cafeterias
- Encourage walking and standing meetings (people tend to think better on their feet!)
- Host workplace well-being challenges that involve co-workers working together in teams
- Host activities – onsite fitness classes and guest speakers – that appeal to a variety of comfort levels and interests
- Consider off-site excursions or field trips to nearby attractions like museums, botanical gardens, or even a favorite pau hana place.
- Monthly newsletters with program details, calendar of events and participant’s success stories.
It is also important to create an organizational culture that prioritizes wellness. Start at the top by encouraging leaders to participate in the program and encouraging others to join them. There are also ways to incorporate activities that strengthen personal social connections between employees such as forming a worksite sports team or participating in a charitable walk or run.
By creating a program that is easy and fun for employees, worksites have the greatest opportunity for high engagement from employees. One way to keep the ideas fresh and employee-driven is an annual survey asking individuals what they’d like to see in their workplace well-being program.
If you would like support in creating a free workplace well-being program, employee interest survey or more information about Blue Zones Project activities, please sign up here for more information.
Blue Zones Project®, brought to Hawaii by HMSA, offers employers a comprehensive, no-cost worksite well-being program focusing on physical environment, leadership, social networks, purpose and work community. Based on best practices from Blue Zones Project across the United States, your local Blue Zones Project team can help you design and implement a well-being program based on the needs of your organization, validate and celebrate your success of becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite and develop a sustainability plan for your long-term well-being goals.
Q&A with Blue Zones Project
What is Blue Zones Project and how is it different from other worksite well-being programs?Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes in environment, policy, and social networks. Worksites can lower absenteeism, improve productivity, and boost national recognition as a great place to live, work, and play. Blue Zones Project is unique because it takes a systematic approach to improving well-being through policy, building design, social networks, and the built
Who is funding the Project?
HMSA is working with communities to bring Blue Zones Project to Hawaii to transform the state into an even better place to live, work and play.
How can I get involved with Blue Zones Project?
There are many ways that you can participate in Blue Zones Project, including onsite activities at your worksite and implementing national best practices proven to improve employee’s well-being. You can also learn more at our website and follow Blue Zones Project on Facebook at @bzphawaii to see community-based activities, volunteer projects.
Join the Well-Being Movement!
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out all participating organizations.
Sign up to receive community updates!
Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
