Nancy Waring, MS

Corporate wellness is sprouting up in the business world and for good reason! Staying healthy and active at work has its upsides – especially increasing work productivity. Has your company taken action on your corporate wellness goal(s) yet? If not, do you know why? Does it feel like there isn’t enough “time” to get the initiative started? Generally the HR professional is responsible for creating and launching the wellness program. But with all the other “mandatory responsibilities”, even with the best intentions, developing and launching a wellness program (as with any new program) is not necessarily a top priority nor easy to create. If your company is considering introducing corporate wellness programs, below is a “beginners guide to creating a solid foundation for your wellness program“. A solid foundation is essential to getting started… below are a few key strategies to help get you started. A Beginners Guide to Starting a Corporate Wellness Program – in 6 Easy Steps Management: You MUST have support from upper management, as well as middle management. Successful wellness programs must have the backing of management, both for financial reasons and employee satisfaction. Nothing worse than initiating an in-house wellness program, but employees cannot access the programs because they don’t have time. Create a wellness committee: Recruit others in the organization to be part of the wellness initiation team. Try to get a diversified group, as it relates to health and wellness. Different perspectives and attitudes can be helpful. Just image if everyone on the team is a runner… guess what the focus will be – running. Get the picture? Have someone on the committee who is truly passionate and will be the cheerleader for the program and get employees excited!!! Survey the employees: Too often a company will determine a goal without the input of the employees. It is best to get buy-in from the employees – asking what they desire is very helpful. As with my running example, if only a few employees are interested in a “couch to 5K training program”, creating this style program would probably doom the wellness initiative from the beginning. Set a SMART GOAL: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound. Yes, I know most of us know what the acronym SMART means but we also know it is easier said than done to create SMART Goals, particularly for new wellness initiatives.Since there is some preparation prior to launching a wellness program this is a great place to start with creating realistic goals. As you move forward in the program you can then create more appropriate and effective goals.Examples of SMART goals for a new wellness initiative may include: By April 15th, I will send out emails to all employees, informing them about the wellness initiative and asking if they would want to be part of the committee. By May 1st, all employees will receive and be asked to complete a simple 5 to 10 question survey pertaining to their interest in a wellness program, possible programs, as well as, requesting feedback pertaining to additional programs desired. By June 1st, will be the launch date of the initial wellness initiate and will involve a “fun, launch event” for the entire staff to get everyone excited and motivated to embrace the workplace wellness program and a healthy workplace culture. Market the program… get everyone excited and try to have something for everyone. As with any new initiative there will be successes and challenges, it is part of growing. Talk up the program, have signs around the office, create fun workplace challenges, healthy recipe ideas, potluck lunches/breakfast, company kickball game. There is no limit to what you can create. If you can imagine it, it can be done. Have fun and keep creating new goals and initiatives…a solid program will grow and if you don’t currently have a healthy work culture this will be an excellent step towards it. A solid health and wellness program ultimately creates a more positive, and connected workplace. And isn’t this want we all want. To work in a place where you are able to do what you love, able to grow both professionally and personally, look forward to going to, and feel valued. “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi For more information on the corporate wellness programs that I offer get in touch for a free consultation. Let’s identify your SMART goals and take the first step towards creating a healthier workplace!

Do you know someone who, when faced with health challenges, seems to always muster the strength to get stronger, while fighting the weakness or disease…someone who won’t give up?. Hero is defined as: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. – Oxford Dictionary Wellness is defined as: the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. – Oxford Dictionary Wellness hero…what in the world does this mean? For me, a “wellness hero”is someone who is focused on leading a healthy, active lifestyle, and understanding that this is the key to long-term health and happiness. When faced with one challenge after another, a wellness hero has the courage to stay strong and committed, even when it appears to be fruitless. When we’re healthy, we can take for granted how the choices we make impact our health. However, over time, our bodies change, and we have an increased probability of acquiring an illness and/or disease. So during challenging times, we must harness our courage, strength and understanding so that no matter what we face, we are more physically and mentally prepared to overcome these obstacles. My wellness hero is my 94 year old father. He can’t run marathons, bench press heavy weights, or have 6 pack abs. He does walk ½ mile a day, enjoy a primarily plant based diet, strength trains daily in a special chair and has a personal trainer who works with him weekly. But that isn’t what makes him my hero.. He’s my wellness hero because he has always had a healthy lifestyle (or should I say fairly healthy)…he played golf and tennis regularly, walked all the time and generally ate healthy foods. My father was always a healthy man until around the age of 68, at which time he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and only given 2 years to live. He survived the cancer but within the next few years of his recovery he had both hips replaced and bypass surgery. This man was determined to get healthy, to further grow his business and enjoy life with friends and family. He meditated, ate healthy whole foods and exercised daily. He worked full time until the age of 90, at which time he suddenly (within 3 weeks) became legally blind. Learning to go from complete independence, to dependence on others, was a challenge. At the age of 90, many may have given up. But not my Dad. While he did suffer from depression, he was determined to continue to lead an active life. Today, in addition to his daily exercises he eats lots of vegetables and fruits, has a glass of wine and meditates. I’m so fortunate to have this man as my father. He is extraordinary, courageous and admired. We live in a country where people are getting sicker, not healthier. Lifestyle diseases, many of which are preventable, are on the rise. Like my father, you can incorporate good habits into your daily routine. This includes regular exercise/movement, eating nutritious, non-processed foods, getting a good night’s sleep, and enjoying friends and family. Some studies say, life expectancy for today’s youth may be declining (NPR report by Rob Stein, December 8, 2016) . Do you want this for your children or grand children?. If not, lead by example. You are never too young to start creating a healthy lifestyle. So, who is your wellness hero? What have you learned from this person? What do you admire? If you haven’t already told them how special they are to you, go ahead and reach out. I have always lead a fairly healthy life, but as I have gotten older, it has become increasingly evident that my good health and vitality are a result of how I have lead my life. As a baby boomer myself, it is increasingly important both for my physical body and emotional well-being to stay as active and vital as possible. Two years ago, I was playing duck duck goose with my 3 year old grandson. We were running around the yard, having so much fun. It was there that it suddenly hit me…now I know why I have been healthy, it’s so I can act like a child with my grandson. Maybe one day I will be his “wellness hero”. I would love for each of you to share on this blog who your hero is. And don’t forget to let them know how much you admire them and proud of them. To the hero in each of you! For more information on creating a wellness programs inspired by your “wellness hero” get in touch for a free consultation.