Six secrets of a successful worksite wellness program

1. Partner with the local hospital. While companies of all types (including health plans) offer wellness programs, only hospitals are truly at the center of health and well-being in almost every community.
2. Gather data. Encourage employees to complete questionnaires regarding health plan participation, family history, physician relationships, lifestyle and selected health metrics, such as blood pressure and glucose readings.
   
3. Assess the cost of doing nothing. Based on the identified health risks of a workforce, employers can determine what their health-related costs would be if those risks go unmitigated.
   
4. Educate. Many people want to improve their health or break bad habits, but don't know how to do it or where to start.
5. Encourage. Reward employees' efforts and accomplishments.
6. Measure the results. Track the health improvements among workers through periodic screenings for such conditions as high blood pressure or cholesterol.