Worksite Wellness ProgramsWorksite Wellness Programs

Every workplace will have workers who won’t take part in provided worksite wellness activities. But these same workers may be following many healthy practices in their daily living. A great wellness program ought to give these people credit and recognition for their great work. Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal execution is a great approach for reinforcing what people are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who don’t like group activities. Suggested steps for individual goals and objectives and recognition include:

• A form workers can fill out which includes the set objective(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic goals and objectives, as people often overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s great to remind workers “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee objective forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each participant’s objective date. This reminder might be a copy of their original objective form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their objective(s): completed the objective, need an extension, or have discontinued the objective.
• When the form is returned from an employee

1. 1. If an employee has completed the objective, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the objective (if possible).
2. 2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the objective, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to encourage the employee.
3. 3. If the objective is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and encourage the employee to try again when the timing is right.

Allow those interested in this process to set goals and objectives any time and as often as they want.