Employers and plans often offer their employees premium discounts, cash rewards, gym memberships, and other incentives to participate in health and wellness programs. These programs can help individuals quit smoking, manage diabetes, lose weight, and receive preventive health screenings. Welfare stipends are also taxable benefits that are paid to employees to cover their wellness expenses. Not only do these programs provide financial benefits, but they also contribute to a healthier workforce.
Wellness programs create a culture of healthier lifestyle choices, increasing awareness of the food we eat, the amount of exercise we do, and the importance of sleeping. Depending on the size of the population and employee needs, an agency may provide full-time or part-time health center services. The Office of Health Promotion (OHS) was founded in 1965 as the National Clearinghouse for Smoking and Health. It is dedicated to reducing deaths and illnesses caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
When done correctly, wellness programs provide employees with incentives, tools, social support, privacy, and strategies to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. The Health and Wellness Initiative (HWI) takes into account the size and budget of an agency. It provides information on staffing, continuing education opportunities for workplace health promotion staff, and advice for selecting a health promotion contractor. It also offers health intervention programs to promote physical and mental fitness and prevent illness.
Welfare stipends are different from health stipends, HRAs, or health insurance policies. They are a great added benefit to offer employees. Agencies should review policies and make the most of existing work schedules to encourage employees to take advantage of preventive health services. The National Workplace Wellness Program (NHWP) helps employers implement prevention strategies based on science and practice that will lead to specific health outcomes.
Health education is also important for employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle, understand their risk of illness, and learn about appropriate preventive practices. The impact of workplace wellness programs is much greater than any other effort to improve adult health. Research has shown that comprehensive wellness programs have a significant impact on elevated health risks.This section provides government guidelines, examples of resources, and information about federal agencies that play a key role in workplace health & wellness. There are many tools and resources available to help understand the basics of workplace health & wellness, explore problems in greater detail, and implement effective programs.
