TO: Janet Hansen, Managing Partner
FROM: Julia Garford, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Proposal to Implement an Employee Wellness Program
Hi Janet,
The success of any company depends on the productivity and work performance of its employees. With rising healthcare costs, I believe that the promotion of healthier lifestyles through a Wellness Program is a good way to save on costs. This proposal outlines the benefits and obstacles of implementing the program.
The Benefits
Research shows that common and preventable illnesses make up about 70 percent of total health care costs (Hall, 2006). By implementing a wellness program and promoting employees to focus more on the improvement and maintenance of their health, …show more content…
After identifying which programs would be best suited in our company, we can tailor them to meet the individual needs of our employees. Some of the top workplace wellness programs, suggested by goldbeck.com’s article titled Workplace Wellness Programs (Part 1 – What Canadian Companies Are Doing), (Lougie, 2011 para 21-26) are:
• Employee Assistance Programs: Services ranging from educational resources to counseling intended to help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being.
Health Promotion and Education: Ongoing education to employees on a variety of health related issues- seminars, workshops, newsletters, etc.
• Weight Management & Fitness Programs: Encouraging nutrition and physical exercise by offering healthy cafeteria food choices, providing in-house fitness equipment, sponsoring gym memberships, and encouraging company sports …show more content…
In order to do this, however, we would need the support of our employees and our head office back this program. If it is done well, and slowly over time, the wellness program could start this company on a road towards healthier lifestyles, improved production, decreased costs, and most importantly, a work force that feels appreciated.
Plenty of companies, such as google, that have implemented Wellness Programs that include full fitness facilities, daily classes, and healthy food choices available throughout the day, have consistently been voted to be in the top 100 best companies to work for. (YEC, 2012, para. 6)
As healthcare costs and the demand to work around the clock rise, so does the necessity for healthier employees. “Wellness programs are most prevalent in North America, where they are offered by 77 percent of participating employers” (Buck Consultants, 2009).
Although this is a long-term project, I believe that we can start surveying and implementing some of these changes as soon as May