Infusing Wellness throughout    the Employee Lifecycle

Leadership & Management Development Conference

November 8, 2016Presented by Molly Heisterkamp, CHES

UW-Madison Employee Wellness Coordinator

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Overview/Agenda1. Wellness: What is it and why does it matter?

2. Activity-Time

3. Introduction to the Employee Lifecycle

4. Ideas for implementation

5. Next Steps

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Physical

Environment

Emotional

Social & Cultural

Financial

Spiritual

Career & Academic

Wellness Dimensions

Socio‐Ecological Model

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Organization

Department

InterpersonalRelationships

Individual

What’s Missing in Workplace Wellness Today?

“Most programs are run by human resource departments to help employee “fix” existing problems such as poor health, unhealthy habits, and stress. Employee health and wellness has not been a priority that is integrated into the mission and operations of most organizations.”

(Global Wellness Institute, The Future of Wellness at Work, January 2016)

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Implications“Caring” Company

• 57% rate health/wellness as high• 8% report poor health• 17% report “very high” stress

levels• 52% report work is satisfying• 68% are proud to be associated

with their company

“Non-Caring” Company

• 39% rate health/wellness as high• 21% report poor health• 41% report “very high” stress

levels• 25% report work is satisfying• 19% are proud to be associated

with their company

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Source – “Unlocking the Power of Company Caring - The Path to Improving Employee Wellness: A Survey of American Workers,” September 2015, Everyday Health and Global Wellness Institute

Activity

Exploring ways to demonstrate that you care about the well-being

of those you lead

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What we need to do going forward.“In order to survive and thrive in the future, businesses and organizations will need to harness the potential of wellness by aligning work environments and cultures with workers’ personal values, motivations, and wellness needs.”

(Global Wellness Institute, The Future of Wellness at Work, January 2016)

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170303733271/

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170303733271/

Physical

Environ-ment

Emotional

Social & Cultural

Financial

Spiritual

Career & Academic

Attract Me –Would I be excited to work in your 

unit/group?

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https://emat621summer2009.wikispaces.com/Assignment+Description

Sample Value Statements/Mission:

- We commit to creating a culture and environment that support the overall health and well-being of our community and its individual members.

- We are working with you to create a healthy, inclusive, and engaging work environment.

- To enhance learning and student success by promoting, protecting, and restoring health and well-being.

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Job Description 

• Value your well-being; be aware of personal wellness strengths and challenges and work toward finding balance for yourself.

• Support your colleagues’ well-being.

Additional for supervisors…

• Create an environment where staff feel comfortable expressing their wellness needs and goals without fear of retribution or judgement

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Questions to ask job candidates:- What strategies do you use to take care of yourself so you can remain

focused and able to carry out your responsibilities in and outside of work?

- What role do you believe you have for modeling self-care for others?

- Please share how you support others in living well.

- How do you envision this position supporting the success and well-being of students and/or employees?

- How do you envision this position supporting the mission of the University including “enhancing the quality of life in the state, the nation, and the world”?

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Get Me Started –Will I have support when getting to 

know the work and culture?

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http://www.frankiejohn.com/2012/07/donate-to-us.html

Information to include in onboarding:- Walking routes/maps from your building location- Locations of the nearest showers- Location of the nearest “quiet” space- Employee Assistance Office information- Information on how to acquire ergonomically appropriate office

equipment- Information on workplace flexibilities- Leave policies (including those for medical or mental health)- Emergency and Crisis Protocols/contacts (AED location,

emergency medical assistance, etc.)

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Develop Me – Will I have opportunities to develop skills that give me energy and 

increase my general well‐being? 

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http://www.tapuz.co.il/blogs/userblog/arifixi

Manage My Performance – Will you help me make the connection between my 

well‐being and my work?- Tune into my energy levels and offer support or referral as

you are able

- Help me set goals outside my traditional role to include goals that will help me increase my personal well-being or one that supports the well-being of my colleagues or customers.

- Help me connect my role with the bigger picture/mission of the organization

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Engage and Motivate Me – How will I know you care?

- Invite others to join you on walking meetings

- Bring in nutritious snacks

- Form a walking group, book club, or another similar interests group

- Start or lead a stretching break for others to move, stretch, and distress

- Organize a team building activity that includes community service or volunteering

- Start every meeting with a “mindful” meditation moment or personal check-in

- Organize a day for de-cluttering and deep cleaning in the work area

- Ask your employees to form a wellness committee to focus on wellness in the workplace

- Create a private “rejuvenation” room for meditation, stretching, relaxation, or lactation.

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Recognize Me – Will you recognize me in ways that give me energy and 

motivation?

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http://www.joelmayward.com/2013/09/pleasing-people-or-pleasing-god.html

Wish Me Farewell – Will I continue to feel respected during my departure?

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http://relationshipsreality.com/when-should-you-give-up-on-him/

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170303733271/

Physical

Environ-ment

Emotional

Social & Cultural

Financial

Spiritual

Career & Academi

c

Next Steps…

Be Well!

Molly Heisterkamp

UW-Madison Employee Wellness Coordinator

molly.heisterkamp@wisc.edu

608-262-1769

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