Worksite Wellness for Tompkins County

Worksite environments that support good nutrition and regular physical activity
in Tompkins County, NY

Identify an inside advocate to act as coordinator

This may be you, or you may be looking for someone. Whoever it is, this person should

1. be committed to the value of good nutrition and physical activity as a lifestyle. (That does not mean living perfection, but rather a goal to work towards.)
2. be interested in talking to others about wellness in a effort to build interest and participation

Secure support of top managers / officers

This may be you, in which case you may already be fully supportive. However, if you're the advocate (or an uncertain top manager) it is important to know how a business will benefit from worksite wellness programs.

The "Healthy Living" section of this web site has lots of information to support the benefits of a worksite wellness program. Go to www.tompkins-co.org/wellness/worksite/livehealthy/.

Form a wellness committee

This is so critical that no wellness program should be attempted without a committee. A wellness committee, drawing members from different work areas within the organization, establishes continuity, motivation, and broad ownership of the program.

Anywhere from 4 to 10 people meeting monthly equals a wellness committee. A mission statement for the committee should be developed by the second meeting. This way, everyone knows what the committee is working toward.
(For examples of mission statements go to www.tompkins-co.org/wellness/worksite/workwell/)

Once a wellness program has been established the committee's size and meeting schedule may change. Still, no fewer than 4 members should meet at least quarterly so the group --- and the wellness program --- does not fade away.

Formal survey of employees' needs / interests

"Bottom-up" support is just as critical to the success of your program as is "top-down" support. Ask employees what they're interested in, and what needs they have. Remember that fundementally, a wellness program is behavioral change. People are much more willing to change if they are involved in the change process. (To see a sample survey go to www.tompkins-co.org/wellness/worksite/workwell/surveyex2.html)

goals for your wellness program
(outcomes and expectations)

A wellness program should have a destination. Use the results of your survey and your wellness committee's mission statement as guides. Consider these ideas:

• focus on making information and learning resources available
• focus on group activities so employees work together to support and encourage healthier lifestyles
• develop a wellness program that is visible to both employees and to our customers
• focus on written policies and guidelines

Objectives for your wellness program
(activities and programs)

This is the action part...

See examples: www.tompkins-co.org/wellness/worksite/workwell/