Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that 90% of employers offered some sort of wellness incentive. Though the actual pay-offs of these plans and programs remains somewhat disputed, there are still some considerable benefits when it comes to revamping the corporate environment. Here are some great ways to create a more positive company culture through a health and wellness program.

1. Make a Social Goal

The most effective wellness initiatives happen when the leadership engages as well. This is a great way to support by example and encourage employees to get totally on board. It is perhaps more effective than simply throwing out incentives, although that is also a useful tool. Leading with the higher-ups demonstrates that the whole company is going to act as a social unit towards a goal of improved health and wellness.

2. Shoot for Happiness and Health

It is not enough to focus on weight loss alone. A successful wellness program should try to engage employees by including measures for increased life satisfaction. Happier and healthier employees are ultimately more productive, says Fox Business.

Some companies that are working on this include social media giants LinkedIn and Facebook. LinkedIn managers host regular “walking meetings” which take place on foot around their campus. Meanwhile, Facebook is experimenting with the option of treadmill desks to keep its employees active and happy while working on projects.

 

3. Sustainable Changes 

The effect of wellness programs at large is questioned because of the seeming difficulty when it comes to producing lasting changes. For instance, when employees lose weight, they often put it back on. This is because health can not be accomplished in a one day event where the managers rally their troops together for an afternoon of health education or biometric assessment.

Health is a lifestyle choice that involves practical changes to the everyday. This requires companies to consider sustainable initiatives. Some great examples include:

 

•Offering nutrition classes

•Forming an office biking, running or sports team

•Providing healthier lunch options

•Furnishing a company gym or workout room

4. Involve Family

Another essential component of good corporate wellness plans is the inclusion of employees’ families. The number one motivator for lifestyle decisions is the family. In order to encourage employee involvement, programs should consider ways to include the whole family in its initiatives.

5. Ask for Employee Input

One of the biggest mistakes corporations are prone to make is failing to gain the employees’ opinions. Organizations should conduct surveys and talk to people in order to find out what will serve them best and most encourage them to become involved. In the end, this will help to maximize employee enthusiasm and engagement.

6. Measure Success

A final step in setting up a truly successful wellness program is to find ways to measure the outcome. By clearly defining goals when first implementing the plan, an objective is set which the whole company can work towards. This provides a basis for determining success. And when you can tell how the organization is doing, you will be able to adapt and make changes to make it even better.