Want Healthier, Happier, and More Productive Employees?
Start a Worksite Wellness Program! Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Starting a worksite wellness program doesn't have to be complicated or costly, but the benefits of a wellness program are substantial. Worksites that have implemented a worksite wellness program have experienced the following:
- Healthier workforce
- Increased productivity
- Improved customer service
- Decreased absenteeism
- More positive work environment
- Increased employee satisfaction
The Piscataquis Public Health Council (PPHC) has a limit of ten $500 mini-grants available to assist small businesses of 50 or fewer employees in planning, organizing, and managing a worksite wellness program. Making healthy snacks available to employees at a reasonable cost, establishing walking routes, establishing a library of exercise DVDs and equipment, or planning a healthy activity are examples of ways a grant could be used.
If chosen to receive a grant, each business will receive help in implementing and designing a wellness program that will suit their specific needs. The business must work closely with the PPHC health educator, and should identify a minimum of 5 of the following goals to include in their wellness plan:
- Implement a healthy snacks program
- Develop and sustain a worksite wellness bulletin board
- Develop and implement a physical activity program
- Implement a worksite tobacco policy
- Implement a worksite substance abuse policy
- Participate in monthly health quizzes created by PPHC health educator
- Educate employees about health promotion and chronic disease prevention with assistance from PPHC health educator
Mini-grant applications must be turned in by May 25th. For more information and to obtain a copy of the mini-grant application, please call Jamie Padham at 564-4123, or email at jpadham@mayohospital.com.
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