Julie JackmanWorking Toward Wellness ProgramMecklenburg County Health Department

Worksite Wellness

Creating Work Environments that Encourage Health

What is Worksite Wellness?

From the boardroom to the break-room, supporting healthy behaviors through worksite policy and environmental change.

Access to healthy nutrition and opportunities to be active at work.

Removing barriers to healthy living in order to create a Culture of Wellness.

Steps to Worksite WellnessStep 1: Where to begin.

Gather DataStep 2: What you can do.

Program DevelopmentStep 3: What have others done.

Best Practice or Success Stories

Step 4: Find valuable resources. Resources to Help

Evaluate the worksite.

Worksite Self-Assessment

Worksite Assessment Tool

www.fitcitychallenge.org page 1

Policy

14. Do you have any written policies regarding healthy vending options? Yes No

Example: You have a written policy that states at least 20% (approx. 8) of the items available in the vending machine are considered healthy by a recognized food labeling program.

15. Do you have any written policies regarding food served at meetings/corporate events/activities? Yes No Example: You have a written policy that states which specific items or healthy restaurants are approved for company events.

16. Do you have any written policies regarding physical activity? Yes No Example: You have a written policy that states employees are allowed a 15 minute physical activity break during work hours.

17. Do you have any written or unwritten policies that might hinder healthy eating or physical activity? Example: You provide donuts every Friday in the break rooms, cake on birthdays, allow employees to bring in unhealthy food to share, employees are not encouraged to take 15 minute breaks, most employees work through lunch hour. Yes No Please list: _____________________________________________________

Education/Promotion

Nutrition: 18. Do you offer educational programs regarding nutrition? Yes No

(Examples: Offer classes on how to shop and prepare healthy snacks, onsite weight management classes, healthy heart classes)

19. Are healthy options available at staff meetings, company sponsored events,

activities/celebrations? Yes No 20. Is there easy access to unhealthy food options? Yes No

(vending machines, candy on desks of other employees, break rooms, cafeteria)

Physical Activity: 21. Does your company encourage employees to participate in company sports teams?

Yes No 22. Does your company offer any onsite exercise programs? Yes No (Morning stretching routines, onsite fitness center, onsite fitness classes, posted walking/running/biking groups) 23. Does your company encourage employees to use the stairs? Yes No 24. Does your company allow employees to leave their desks to walk during breaks and

lunch time? Yes No 25. Does your insurance company offer discounts or reimbursements for fitness club

memberships? Yes No

What do employees WANT?

EmployeeInterestSurvey

Employee Interest Survey Fit City Worksite Wellness Program

1: Disagree

Completely

2: Somewhat Disagree

3: No Opinion

4: Somewhat

Agree

5: Agree

Completely Nutrition

1. I would like to learn how to choose healthier food options. 1 2 3 4 5 2. I would like to have healthy snacks available at work. 1 2 3 4 5 3. I would like to learn about healthier food choices and portions to help

manage my weight. 1 2 3 4 5

4. I would like ideas on how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet.

1 2 3 4 5

5. I would be interested in tasting different healthy foods. 1 2 3 4 5 6. I would be interested in growing fresh produce at work. 1 2 3 4 5 Exercise/Fitness

7. I would like to increase my activity level. 1 2 3 4 5 8. I would like to join a company sports team. 1 2 3 4 5 9. I would like to join a walking/running group. 1 2 3 4 5 10. I would use the stairs at work if they were inviting and accessible. 1 2 3 4 5 11. I would like to have the option to hold a “walking meeting” 1 2 3 4 5 12. I would like information on alternative commuting options. 1 2 3 4 5 13. I would like to see more paths and walkways around the facility. 1 2 3 4 5 Tobacco Use

14. I would like to work in a tobacco free environment. 1 2 3 4 5 15. I would like to get information about quitting tobacco use. 1 2 3 4 5 16. I would be interested in joining a group at work to quit tobacco use. 1 2 3 4 5 Wellness Activities/Groups (Physical Activity or Healthy Eating Education)

17. I would like to participate in Wellness Activities before work. 1 2 3 4 5 18. I would like to participate in Wellness Activities during lunch break. 1 2 3 4 5 19. I would like to participate in Wellness Activities after work. 1 2 3 4 5 20. I would like information on activities I can do in 10-15 minutes to improve

my health. 1 2 3 4 5

21. I would like information on activities I can do in 30-60 minutes to improve my health.

1 2 3 4 5

22. I would like to participate in a Worksite Wellness Committee. Please provide name and contact information if interested (optional)

1 2 3 4 5

Any other comments or suggestions regarding wellness:

Please return this survey to:___________________________ By this date:___________________________

EMPLOYEE INTEREST SURVEY

What do employees NEED?

Health RiskAppraisals orAssessments

HEALTH RISK APPRAISAL SURVEY

SECTION 1: Medical Information (Please circle your response). 1. Would you say that in general your health is: a) Excellent b) Very Good c) Good d) Fair e) Poor 2. Height (without shoes, whole numbers please) ____ Feet ___ Inches 3. Weight (without shoes) ________ Pounds 4. What is your body build? a) Small -thin, narrow build b) Medium -most people c) Large -stocky, muscular build 5. Has a doctor told you that you now have one of the health problems listed below? (For each problem, please circle Yes, No, or Not Sure). Yes No Not Sure

A Cancer, within the past 7 years Y N NS B Heart disease, heart surgery or heart attack Y N NS

C Diabetes or high blood sugar Y N NS D High blood pressure Y N NS

E High cholesterol Y N NS F Stroke or partially blocked blood flow to head or legs Y N NS 6. Have any of your parents, brothers, or sisters ever had any of the health problems listed below? (For each problem, please circle Yes, No, or Not Sure). Yes No Not Sure

A High blood pressure Y N NS B Colon/bowel cancer Y N NS

C Breast cancer Y N NS D Diabetes or high blood sugar Y N NS

E Heart attack Y N NS 7. During the past 12 months, how many visits have you made to a: A Hospital, doctor's office or emergency room? ___________ Visits B Any other type of health care professional (chiropractor, therapist, etc.)? ___________ Visits 8. If you know your total cholesterol value, please write it in the space provided: __ __ __ Total cholesterol value (183, 214, etc.) 9. Do you take medicine prescribed by a doctor for high blood pressure? Yes No 10. In the past five years, have you had a skin test for tuberculosis (TB)? Yes No 11. Do you use any of the forms of medicine listed below?

A Holistic (naturopathy, homeopathy)? Yes No B Home or folk remedies / medicine? Yes No

C Faith or spiritual healing? Yes No

What Works in Worksite Wellness

Step 1: Where to begin. Gather Data

Step 2: What you can do. Program Development

Step 3: What have others done. Best Practice or Success

StoriesStep 4: Find valuable resources.

Resources to Help

Starting Your Program

Get management support Gather your team or coalition Utilize wellness advocates Brand your program: Name,

Logo, Tag line Create a Wellness Plan Plan a launch event to kick off

the program

Provide Opportunities for Physical Activity: Environmental Changes

Onsite Fitness Classes Fitness Center or Corner Company Sports Teams Connect to Parks & Greenways Bike/Bus to Work Take the Stairs Signs Walking Group Challenge Map out Walking Paths Hold a Walking Meeting Stretching at Work Treadmill Workstations Basketball hoop outside

Onsite Fitness

Fitness Center Treadmill

Workstation

Fitness Corner

Stairwell Makeovers

Promote Alternative Commuting!

Educate employees of all the different commuting options, will help increase their physical activity, reduce traffic and improve air quality.

Support Alternative Commuting

1. Install Appropriate Bike Racks2. Provide Shower Area 3. Adequate Employee Lockers4. Offer Incentives for

Commuting

Hold a Walking Meeting

Most meetings just require a melding of minds, share ideas while you walk!

3 Minute Desk Stretches

Employee Stretch Break

Policies to Encourage Being Active at Work

Policy to allow “Walking Meetings”. Flexible work schedule for physical

activity. 30 minutes of activity “on the clock” Guaranteed Ride Home Program for

employees that use alternative transportation

Active volunteerism (Habitat House, Big Sweep)

Charity Walk/Run

Provide Access to Healthy Food: Environmental Support

Nutritious Vending Options Healthy Cafeteria Options Price Adjustments for Healthy Foods Company Farmers Markets Onsite Gardening Community Supported Agriculture Healthy Snack & Fruit Basket Program

Healthy Vending is possibleContract with a company willing

to provide healthy options.

Create pricing structure that encourages healthy purchasing.

Advertise healthy options to employees.

Company Farmers Market

Onsite Farmers MarketMany companies have invited local farmers to

sell their produce to employees

CSA, more than a worksite farmer’s marketWhat is CSA? Community-Supported Agriculture allows

you to support sustainable local food systems by purchasing food from local farms. Know Your Farms delivers boxes of produce to your worksite, directly from the farm.  

  

Healthy Snack Program

Fruit Basket ProgramMany companies are providing access to fruit at

work.

Policies that support healthy nutrition

Healthy Options at Company Events Company Potluck Nutrition Policy Healthy Options in Cafeteria Policy Healthy Vending/Snack Options

Policy No Food Dumping Policy for

Employees Healthy Donation/Gift Policy for

Vendors Breastfeeding Supportive Worksite

Provide Education & Information on Healthy Living

Lunch and learns Wellness bulletin boards Wellness newsletter Weekly wellness e-mails Wellness intranet site Links to fitness and nutrition websites Flyers and brochures in break-rooms, elevators and restrooms Wellness Minute during safety meetings Fitness & nutrition information center Screen saver health messages

Environment that supports healthy lifestyles

Scales, Blood Pressure Self-Check and Body Fat Machines Rest and Relaxation Room Walking Paths and Maps Outdoor Conference Area Tobacco-Free Campus

Provide incentives to change behavior

Money is the most effective incentive. In the form of discounts toward insurance cost

or gift cards.

Think outside the pocketbook: Donations from local businesses Jeans Day Leave early on a Friday Trophy, including bragging rights Recognition and Certificate at company

meeting Featured success story on the Wellness

Board

Benefit Structure to Support Health Offer coverage for tobacco

cessation medications and classes.

Low cost or free prescriptions for preventative medications.

Health coaching for managing disease.

Employee Assistance Program

Smoke Free Campus!

By taking steps toward having a smoke free campus employers can reduce onsite pollution and improve employee health and productivity.

Set employees up for success by offering smoking cessation opportunities before going smoke free.

What Works in Worksite Wellness

Step 1: Where to begin. Gather Data

Step 2: What you can do. Program Development

Step 3: What have others done. Best Practice or Success

Stories Step 4: Find Valuable Resources.

Resources to Help

Success Story

Fruit and Veggie SnacksFruit and Veggies for Free during the workday.

Success Story

Healthier Vending MachineThis small manufacturing company requested

healthier options in vending machines and worked with vending company to raise prices on unhealthy options and lower prices on healthy options.

Success Story

Healthy Snack ProgramThey implemented a policy to allow only healthy

snacks to be provided to employees.

Success Story

Afternoon Stretching ProgramThis small business stops for 5 minutes every

afternoon to take a stretch break. Employees report feeling more relaxed and focused after stretching.

Success Story

Fitness CornerThis small laboratory testing facility

provided free weights and mats in a corner of a small office to allow employees to exercise and stretch during breaks.

Success Story

Created a beautiful outdoor space out of a retention pond. Employees now use the space as a destination on a walk, a place to read through paperwork or to eat lunch.

Success Story

Wellness Board of the MonthPosted a Wellness Board in English, Spanish and

Vietnamese! Translated through Google.

Success Story

Wellness NewsletterArt department at this progressive architectural

firm created their own wellness newsletter.

Success Story

Employees rarely used stairs to get around in this four story building, even though the elevator was notoriously slow. They posted “Take the Stairs” signs at the elevators and saw a increased use of stairwells.

Success Story

Container GardeningThis small medical facility used a side employee

entrance area as a container garden.

AprilApril

JuneJune

What Works in Worksite Wellness

Step 1: Where to begin. Gather Data

Step 2: What you can do. Program Development

Step 3: What have others done. Success Stories

Step 4: Find valuable resources. Resources to Help

Worksite Wellness ResourcesWorking Toward Wellness

CharMeck.org/WorkingTowardWellnessCenters for Disease Control

CDC.gov/LeanWorks Eat Smart Move More

EatSmartMoveMoreNC.comAmerican Heart Association

Start! In the WorkplaceAmericanHeart.org

Wellness Council of America (Welcoa)Welcoa.com (requires membership for some resources)

What Works in Worksite Wellness

Step 1: Where to begin. Gather Data

Step 2: What you can do. Program Development

Step 3: What have others done. Success Stories

Step 4: Find valuable resources. Resources to Help

Thank you!

Julie JackmanMecklenburg County Health DepartmentWorking Toward Wellness Program Coordinator704-432-4526julie.jackman@carolinashealthcare.org