If you haven’t quite figured it out yet, wellness is a very unique field. In fact, it’s not always even designated as its own field, but it is still incredibly important.
The uniqueness of corporate wellness stems from that fact that not every organization is the same. That means not every wellness program is the same. Programs can vary between organizations, and even over time within one organization.
One thing is certain. Corporate wellness is focused on employees. There is really no other way to do it. If your company is going to consider employee health, they’ll need to focus on employees. This employee-focused mindset usually correlates with the mindset of the HR office, which means wellness is often under the HR umbrella.
So as an HR professional (with presumably little direct wellness experience), how are you supposed to manage a program like this? Well, you’re supposed to become the go-to wellness leader in your organization.
And trust us, it’s not as difficult as it sounds!
We will admit that we’re a bit spoiled. Our wellness leader is also a wellness expert. Alan Kohll, president and founder of TotalWellness, has been working in the industry for over 17 years. He works with our wellness committee to help foster our internal wellness program. He also obviously works with all of our employees to help you start yours.
Based on Alan’s wellness expertise and what we know of the field, check out these seven steps to becoming a wellness leader in your workplace.
Step 1: Buy In
It’s important that you know wellness is important. Simple. A great way to train your mind to think about wellness is to recognize your own healthy habits. When you start to get comfortable with that, share them with your coworkers and pass the challenge along.
Step 2: Partner Up
You can’t build a wellness program alone. It’s important to find a team of people that are as interested in employee wellness as you are. Make them your partners and you will work wonders.
Step 3: Keep Up
With the crazy quick advances in science and medicine, wellness trends can change quickly. Do your research, and keep up with what’s going on by following blogs like ours, or other wellness or HR related news pages.
Step 4: Organize and Be Organized
Odds are wellness isn’t your only duty at work. When managing a “side project” like a wellness program, it’s important to maintain organization. Plan projects, events and education, but try not to be disheveled.
Step 5: Communicate
Even the best ideas can fail if nobody knows about them. Don’t let that be you! Once you’ve got some concrete initiatives planned, spread the word far, wide and often so your coworkers can get on board.
Step 6: Enjoy
Nobody likes a Negative Nancy, even if you were up all night going over the details of your healthy company picnic. When you feel overwhelmed, remember to enjoy the wellness activities you’ve planned. After all, you’re an employee too.
Step 7: Know the Details
It might seem time consuming and tedious, but it’s important to track the statistics so you can know your successes and struggles. This kind of investment shows that you care, you have a long-term mindset and the program is worth investing in.
It doesn’t take a wellness expert to launch an employee wellness program. It does take a wellness leader. If your companydoesn't focus on wellness, it’s not too late to step up to the plate and take charge. Be the wellness leader your organization needs with these seven simple steps.
How can we help you become a wellness leader in your workplace?
