Building a Successful Employee Wellness Program

This article appeared in print as part of “Doing Well: What’s the Real Value of Employee Wellness”

In a 2010 Harvard Business Review article, researchers studied 10 large companies identified six factors that lead to a successful wellness program. We’ve got them right here for you:
 

Multilevel Leadership

Companies must designate wellness advocates in each level of leadership, including the C-suite, middle management, and lower-level employees.

Alignment

A company should build a wellness program that fits in with its overall identity and aspirations.

Scope, Relevance, and Quality

Wellness programs should be comprehensive and offer a clear benefit to employees, or else they won’t participate.

Accessibility

Focus on offering no-cost benefits and on-site integration.Make the program as convenient as possible.

Partnerships

Find community partners, including vendors, who can provide some components of your wellness program or enhance what you already offer.

Communication

Make sure you have different ways of getting the word out to employees — simply sending emails won’t do.

Bonus Tip

Focus on offering benefits, not threatening consequences. You can land in ethical and legal trouble if you penalize employees for not participating in your wellness program.