CREATING A HEALTHY
WORKPLACE
Healthy work environments do not just happen, they must be created and
promoted.
Objectives
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Analyze the effectiveness of Health Promotion Programs through the
presentation and evaluation of research.
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Understand the benefits and importance Health Promotion Programs have on the
employer and employee including increases in productivity, financial gain, and
decreased absenteeism.
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Provide employers with the tools and skills necessary to implement Health
Promotion Programing in their workplace.
What is Workplace Wellness?
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Any health promotion and protection strategies implemented at the worksite that
includes programs, policies, benefits, environmental supports, and links to the
surrounding community designed to encourage the health and safety of all employees.
Cdc. "Workplace Health Program Definition and Description." United States Center for Disease Control (n.d.): n. pag. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. CDC. Web. 11 May 2015.
Why are Health Promotion Programs
important in the workplace?
For Employers:
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Lower health care and disability costs
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Enhanced employee productivity
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Decreased rates of illness, injuries, and employee absenteeism
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Enhanced corporate image
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Improved employee morale, recruitment, and retention
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Increased organizational commitment and creation of a culture of health
For Employees:
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Increased health status, well-being, self-image, and self-esteem
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Improved coping skills with stress or other factors affecting health
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Lower costs for acute health issues
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Lower out of pocket costs for health care services (e.g., reduced premiums; deductibles; co-payments)
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Increased access to health promotion resources and social support
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Safer and more supportive work environment with improved job satisfaction
Where to start?
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Establish a Wellness Committee
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Administer an employee survey
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Assess needs
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Set goals
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Provide Health Screenings
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Create Workplace Health Program
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Evaluate Program
Areas to focus on?
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Physical Activity
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Nutrition
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Mental Health/Stress Management
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Safety and Prevention
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Workplace
Driving
Tobacco Use
Physical Activity
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Physical Commute
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On the go meetings
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At your Desk:
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Take the Stairs
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Standing Desk/Treadmill Desk
Fitness Ball
Desk Fitness Bands
Ankle Weights
Desk Stretches
Fitness Breaks
Physical Activities
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Group Activities:
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Walking Clubs
Fitness challenges
Fitness center membership
Sports league
Fitness camps/Exercise Classes
Group Classes
Minute to win it challenges
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Site Based Activities
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Health Fairs
Blood Pressure Screenings
Cholesterol Screenings
Flu shots
Nutrition
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Good Nutrition lowers the risk of:
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Heart Disease
Stroke
Some cancers
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Obesity
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Emphasize
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Fruits
Vegetables
Whole Grains
Low Fat Dairy
Lean meats
Limit
Sodium
• Sugars
• Saturated Fat
• Trans Fat
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Nutrition
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Small Changes
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Smaller Plates
Healthy Office Meetings
Spill proof cups
• Free water
• Water/Ice Machine
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Place nutrition food first
• Keep food off of table
• Cater from healthy restaurants
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Offer free educational materials
Lemon
• Sugar free flavoring packets
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Vending Machine
Fruit Bowl
Weekly Recipes
Healthier Break room options
Zero Calorie Sweeteners
• Light/Fat Free Creamers
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choosemyplate.gov
• Nutrition.gov
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Support drinking water
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Office Challenges
Recipe makeover
• Best Sugar free fruit dessert
• Best low calorie/fat vegetable dip
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Mental Health and Stress Management
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Coping strategies
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Nutrition
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Physical Activity
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30 Minutes per day (adults)
Sleep
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Limit caffeine , sugars, and saturated fats
7-9 hours (adults)
Limit Smoking and Alcohol consumption
Financial Management
Relaxation techniques
Quiet space
Plan regular breaks
What can you do as the employer?
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Improve communication
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Consult your employees
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Define roles and responsibilities
Make communication friendly and efficient
Discuss scheduling and work rules
Opportunities for career development
Praise
Rewards and incentives
Cultivate a friendly social climate
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Opportunities for social interactions
Effective policies
Be consistent with organizational values
Safety and Prevention
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Maintenance
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Cleanliness
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Policies
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Seatbelts
Texting and Driving
Hand washing
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
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Dress
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Education
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Drills
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Fire
Tornado
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Comfortable nonskid shoes
Jewelry
Loose fitting attire
Protective clothing
Proper lifting technique
Food safety
Sun Safety
Take breaks
What does a supportive wellness
environment include?
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Onsite fitness facilities
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Reminders
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Bike Racks
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Benefits
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Healthy Food Options
(vending machines)
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Employee Orientation
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Performance appraisals
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Supervisor/Leadership
Support
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Flex time for exercise
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Incentives/rewards for
wellness
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HR Policies
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Employee Involvement
Questions?
Kayla Bakewell
Agent in Training | Extension Service
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Richland County
418 2nd Ave N
Wahpeton ND 58075
phone: 701.642.7793
fax: 701.642.7774
Kayla.L.Bakewell@ndsu.edu
Additional Sources
Belluck, Pam. "Children's Life Expectancy Being Cut Short by Obesity." The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 Mar. 2005. Web. 19 May
2015.
"Benefits of Health Promotion Programs." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Oct. 2013.
Web. 11 May 2015.
Cdc. "Workplace Health Program Definition and Description." United States Center for Disease Control (n.d.): n. pag. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. CDC. Web. 11 May 2015.
"Depression." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Oct. 2013. Web. 15 May 2015.
"Healthy Workplaces." Health Harford, Creating the Healthiest Community in Maryland. Healthy Harford, 2015. Web. 11 May 2015.
Friedman, Ron. "Regular Exercise Is Part of Your Job." Harvard Business Review. Harvard Business Publishing, 03 Oct. 2014. Web. 08 May 2015.
Martin, David S. "If You See It, You'll See It, Expert Says." CNN. Cable News Network, 21 Sept. 2007. Web. 19 May 2015.
"Mental Health Problems in the Workplace - Harvard Health." Harvard Health. Harvard Health Publications, 1 Feb. 2010. Web. 15 May 2015.
"Office Exercise: Add More Activity to Your Workday." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 08 Feb. 2014. Web. 08
May 2015.
"Physical Activity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 06 Nov. 2013. Web. 08 May 2015.
"Promoting Physical Activity at Work." Obesity Prevention Source. Harvard. T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 28 Oct. 2012. Web. 08 May 2015.
Segal, Jeanne, Melinda Smith, Lawrence Robinson, and Robert Segal. "Stress at Work." : Tips to Reduce and Manage Job and Workplace Stress.
Help Guide, Apr. 2015. Web. 19 May 2015