Corporate Wellness Insights

Health Care Workers - The Unhealthiest of Them All?

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:09:00 +0000

Where did all the healthy role models go?

Models are pin thin. The surgeon general herself is on the plump side. And doctors and health care workers, those individuals who wield the most power when it comes to the health of the nation, demonstrate some of the worst health habits of all.

There are two different factors at play here. First, there is the issue of unhealthy doctors fearing judgment or dismissal by their patients if they urge weight loss when they themselves cannot seem to lose the extra pounds. The second issue is the fact that health care workers disproportionately engage in unhealthy behaviors. Both of these factors present a problem when it comes to the state of the American health care system as a whole.

Many physicians feel hypocritical advising their patients to lose weight or quit smoking when they struggle with tobacco dependency or obesity themselves. Studies show that doctors who are overweight are 12% less likely to discuss weight with their patients in comparison to doctors who fall within the recommended weight range.

Beyond the personal care aspect however, health care workers (nurses, aides, hospital administrators, etc) have some of the highest rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in the country!

A Reuters study found that the average cost of health care for hospital employees and their dependents was an additional $538 per year than that of the general population. This segment of the workforce was also more likely to be diagnosed and hospitalized for asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, HIV, hypertension and mental illness.

More than 78 million adults are obese in the US today, but how are Americans going to learn proper health habits if those representing health care fail to adhere to the wellness principles they preach?

Guest Blog Post: Creative Benefits to Engage, Motivate, and Retain

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:04:00 +0000

At Corporate Wellness Insights, we are featuring our first ever "guest post" this week to highlight the importance of corporate wellness and add fresh voices to the ongoing discussion of healthcare in the workplace.

Kyle Lagunas, an HR Analyst at softwareadvice.com, reports on trends, technology, and best practices in human resources and recruiting. He is a fan of our blog and truly believes that creative workplace benefits can mean the difference between a heathy, engaged workforce and an unproductive, lackluster team.

Read on for his ideas about creative perks that make office wellness a tool for company success.

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Employers are learning that when chosen and implemented effectively, benefits can demonstrate leadership’s concern for the well-being of employees, reinforce cultural values, and foster deeper employee engagement. Rather than assuming you know what your employees want, [experts] suggest you ask them. Though answers will vary, many people are interested in more benefits in these areas:

1. Healthy Living and Wellness Benefits. The biggest benefit that employees request is gym membership reimbursement. Wellness programs (like WalkingSpree - which creates walking clubs, assigns teams and creates competitions) are another great way to motivate employees to live healthfully (thereby reducing your health care costs).

2. Flexible Work Options. Telecommuting and other forms of flexible work options make employees healthier and happier. And as Sara Sutton Fell, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs points out, “Employers who offer flexible schedules and alternatives to the traditional nine-to-five not only see higher productivity, but also save on health-related benefits they already offer.” Stanford University conducted a large study that showed that telecommuters were four percent more productive than office workers, working more hours, and taking a larger workload.

3. Commuting Relief Benefits. More and more employees are looking for commuting relief benefits from their employers. Incentivize carpooling; use services like Transit Chek so employees can purchase transit tickets with pre-tax dollars; Or, promote healthy living and alternative commuting options by installing bike racks at your office.

4. Perks You Can Afford. Great perks aren’t just for the guys in Silicon Valley. Many companies–big and small–bring in a massage therapist who offers chair massage to employees. Convenient and relaxing, this perk costs the employer next to nothing and might just keep employees in the office longer. Others adopt reward programs like BetterWorks, where employees are given an allowance to spend on discounted food from local restaurants, dry cleaning, gym memberships and more. Clearing The Great Leadership Hurdle by offering benefits that are actually competitive, an organization can set itself above the competition - and build a strong culture of engagement and motivation.

Company leaders are often focused on costs, immediate benefit, and employee utilization. [To effectively implement these programs], it’s up to you to deliver on these key points. Address the issues of cost by reminding leadership how little (if anything) creative benefits cost the organization.

It might also help to frame benefits in terms of investments--not costs--in new employee acquisition and retention.

For further reading, you can find the full article on Kyle's HR blog.

How to Cut Health Care Costs and Make Wellness Work

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:46:00 +0000

Looking to cut healthcare costs at your organization? Who isn’t?

With obesity rates high and chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes on the rise, it takes more than just some pamphlets in the break room to improve employees’ wellbeing and see a decrease in related health costs. A recent study sponsored by Wellsteps illustrates the role that various factors play in the behavior change process among individuals.

The data suggests that "awareness and education" are only about 5% effective at instigating a change in lifestyle habits while "policy and environment" typically result in a 40% rate of success in rallying workers to health. The other factors of behavior change, according to the previously mentioned study, include "motivation" (30% successful) and "skills and tools" (25% successful). This data is invaluable when it comes to designing and implementing wellness programs because it helps companies determine how to budget efficiently.

So policy and environment are key. It is important for companies to reward behavior itself, and not merely required healthy activities. If using a wellness portal or reading educational materials is incentivized, employees lack motivation to engage in any activity beyond whatever earns them points (ie money, benefits, perks). If, however, actual weight loss, or minutes of exercise, or hours of sleep are incentivized, an employee is more likely to embrace these healthy habits and incorporate them into their day to day life.

As Rachel Permuth-Levin of Sodexo recently stated in The 2012 Workplace Trends Report: “It’s important to evaluate drivers of success, revenue generation, and operational efficiency” without sacrificing the core values of a company.

That's where we come in. Questions? Reach out to Wellness Corporate Solutions today!

Ask Yourself: What Is the BEST Way to Improve Employee Health?

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:12:00 +0000

A recent finding in the Principal Financial Well-Being Index brings to light one of the more frustrating dichotomies we face in the corporate wellness industry.

Despite the convenience of online resources to educate individuals about healthy habits and monitor progress, ultimately, sitting in front of a computer tracking habits contributes to increased screen time, more sitting, and less movement. It seems that fitting in a five minute walk would be more beneficial for the average worker than, for example, using those precious minutes to monitor calorie intake. As a wellness company, we promote educational resources like online health portals daily, but might they impede employee fitness goals?

The report concludes that the most common employee wellness offerings include online wellness information and educational tools or events, but 25% of employees without gym discounts said they would prefer a workout pass instead.

Today, especially in a corporate setting, most employees are aware of the benefits of exercise. So, all the online health resources in the world won’t do them any good when they are cooped up at their desks all day. Many employees want to move more but simply don’t have the time or energy at the end of a stressful workday.

Armed with this information, employers could better boost employee health with subsidized gym memberships or onsite fitness classes. The good news? 41% of employees agree that wellness benefits in general encourage them to work harder and perform better.

Wellness budgets are typically (unfortunately) limited, but determining the most effective wellness offerings for your company can lead to a more complete culture of health down the line.

Vote for Corporate Wellness Insights as Healthline's Best Health Blog of 2011 Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0000

There are eight days left in Healthline’s annual blog contest and we are determined to make it into the Top Ten! Help land our blog on the first page by casting your vote today (and every day until January 31st). Make sure you’re logged in to Facebook or Twitter and follow the steps below to move Corporate Wellness Insights up in the rankings.

1. Go to: http://www.healthline.com/health/best-health-blogs-contest
2. Search for Corporate Wellness Insights (or find us on the second page – we are currently in 11th place)
3. Click vote and allow Healthline to post to Facebook or Twitter

Thanks for all your support!

Increase Productivity in the Workplace - Find a Quiet Corner

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Many factors contribute to a productive office environment; Among them, a healthy, happy workforce.

If you take a look around, the current corporate design trend features open “pits”, glass-enclosed rooms, and wall-less offices to maximize collaboration and creativity. Many employers feel that an open, airy layout instills a sense of equality among workers and can lead to increased motivation and achievement.

But there are some downsides to this modern, now ubiquitous office interior. The glass walls meant to encourage brainstorming sessions amongst coworkers also serve as a distraction for many. An "open plan" that eschews private offices might increase work-related communication but it also leads to sensory overload. Studies show that open-plan offices can make workers frustrated and insecure. They’re also more likely to suffer from hypertension, stress, the flu and exhaustion.

It’s important to take into account the type of work being done to determine what layout is most conducive to a productive office environment. For creative industries such as advertising or graphic design, open space can greatly increase brainstorming and eventual output by employees. In other fields however, this might not be the ideal set up. Emerging research strongly suggests that people are more focused and constructive when they enjoy privacy and freedom from interruption.

Don’t assume that a sleek, modern design is what’s best for your company just because it’s in vogue. Environmental satisfaction contributes greatly to overall job satisfaction for the majority of employees. Wellness comes in all different forms and an appropriate office set-up goes a long way towards keeping workers satisfied, healthy, and productive.

Social Networks: The New Wellness Frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:33:00 +0000

It’s all about the people, people.

Social media is on the rise, especially in corporate settings. “Online media content manager” is a position that didn’t even exist until recently but is now one of the most sought after and critical roles within any company. Some might even argue that a company without an online presence is hardly a company at all.

While it’s true I’m biased as I write this (I am blogging after all), article upon article heralds social media as an invaluable tool for reaching out to employees and implementing change in the workplace. If a CEO wants to create a healthier office environment, social media is a great way to communicate those wellness values from the top down. Social media can drive the culture of a workforce and impact it in numerous ways.

Chris Cartter from Me and You Health notes: With the recent surge in new applications designed for the health industry, it’s a great time to discuss how we can all leverage social network science and social platforms like Facebook to drive adoption of health applications and increase their effectiveness by helping individuals knit together genuine support networks of people they know.

There are real benefits of allowing employees access to social networking sites and online apps in a work setting. Virtual communities are popular forums for engaging with an audience regardless of whether that audience is one of peers, colleagues, or employees. So, use social media to your advantage to monitor, track, and improve company health goals.

Don’t think your company is a tech savvy, “online” group? Start slowly. As younger generations hit the workforce, online content is becoming an inescapable part of the culture. Embrace the positive aspects of social media and let it change your company for the better.

Overeaters Not So Anonymous - Americans Eat a Ton Every Year

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:58:00 +0000

This year, Americans ate a ton of food. Literally! A recent NPR piece discusses the vast amounts of carbs, fat, and sugar Americans eat on a daily basis and what it’s doing to our waistlines. According to the USDA, the amount of food consumed per year is roughly 1,996 lbs per person.

It’s no surprise that Americans are overweight and not getting any slimmer, but the amount of processed, unhealthy fare we snarf down is truly impressive. Chicken, pork, turkey and beef consumption amounts to about 185 lbs while ice cream, yogurt, milk and cheese tip the scales at 630 lbs per person. The good news? The average American eats 415 lbs of vegetables each year. The bad news? Potatoes and corn are at the top of the list and lack the health benefits of nutrient-dense leafy greens.

Armed with this information, what can companies do to encourage healthier food choices in the workplace?

1. Offer healthier foods onsite. Revamp the snack room to reflect the wellness values of the company. Stock baby carrots and hummus instead of chips or pretzels, and oatmeal and fruit instead of candy bars or sugary cereals. Hungry employees will nosh on what is free and/or accessible.

2. Launch an office nutrition challenge that rewards healthy food choices. Offer incentives to employees who cook meals at home instead of going out. Give credit to those who bring home leftovers or award points to employees who regularly start meals with a small salad.

3. Host office activities that don’t revolve around food. Go for a celebratory walk with coworkers instead of birthday cake and soda. Take an office trip to a local museum. Or, start a company-wide flag football game.

At the end of the day, most of us simply need to eat less. Portion control is a difficult task when you're trying to eat well but it plays a critical role in carrying our nation to better health. Executive support can tremendously impact employee health and increase a company’s ROI, so help employees eat less and reap the benefits in the workplace.

Don't Gamble on your Employees' Health

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Gambling is a risky act. With every spin of the wheel or roll of the dice it’s hard not to let emotions take over. But, if you can dismiss the existence of “luck” and make decisions by the playbook, there’s a chance you can actually walk away with winnings. Trust the facts, play your cards right, and the house doesn’t always have to win.

Let’s take a look at workplace wellness. Some view wellness as an unnecessary expense - a frivolous add-on during tough times - but putting forth the up-front capital for employee health care is the rational, logical, and financially sound thing to do.

Don’t count on luck to keep your workforce healthy. No matter the size of the company or the age of the workers, anyone anywhere anytime can get sick. Investing in preventative measures such as biometric screenings, telephonic health coaching, and smoking cessation can have an immediate, positive impact on employee health, increase the odds of retention (employees are less likely to leave if perks are good), and save the company real dollars down the line. For every $1 spent on workplace wellness, research shows $2-$6 in savings.

With odds like that, who wouldn’t want to make wellness an office priority? As always, feel free to contact Wellness Corporate Solutions for information about setting up a wellness program for your company. Big or small, young or old, every office has something to gain from investing in health. You can bet on it!

Office Wellness: How to Stay Healthy this Season

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:28:00 +0000

The holidays tend to encourage needless consumption in many forms. We overspend, over-drink, and perhaps most inevitably, we overeat. Cookies, pies, and fruitcake are never as present as the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years. Office parties, with limitless booze and greasy hors d’oeuvres can lead to the loosening of belts. Family time usually involves lounging around and endless home cooked meals. With all the deliciously warm, homey food, it’s rare for fresh greens to regularly make their way onto a plate during the holiday season. Here at WCS, we aim to prevent the overindulgent rituals of December.

3 ways to keep employees healthy over the holidays:

Encourage hand washing. The best way to avoid catching a cold (or worse) is to wash hands frequently. Upgrade the office soap to a better brand/nicer smell and keep moisturizer close by to keep sickness from spreading in the workplace.

Banish holiday treats (without being a Grinch!). Rather than placing a tin of sugar cookies in the middle of the room or by the water cooler, tuck sweets away so employees aren’t tempted to nosh throughout the day. Out of sight out of mind.

Lead a walk outside. A daily 10-minute walk around the block feels refreshing and can minimize winter weight gain. Exposure to sunshine boosts levels of Vitamin D and can decrease the risk of seasonal depression among employees. Bundle up!

Take care of your employees and yourself this winter. Good health is the best present of all!

23 and 1/2 Hours: The Magic Pill for Health

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0000

This video could put me out of a job!

At Wellness Corporate Solutions, we spend our days urging employers to take an interest in the health of their employees. We stress the value of biometric screenings, onsite fitness classes, wellness websites, and more. All of these features are important components of a successful workplace wellness program but this 9-minute clip suggests we could throw it all out the window and replace it with one magic fix.

Study after study shows that moderate exercise, like low impact walking, in the amount of just 30 minutes a day can significantly lower an individual’s risk of disease. For the average American, 30 minutes of exercise might sound like a lot, but the benefits of this routine are priceless. We spend our days sedentary and rarely make time for even a ten-minute walk around the block. But, as this video illustrates, you don’t have to be a marathoner to add years to your life and improve the overall quality of the days you live.

If you’re going to spend 23 and ½ hours every day sleeping or sitting, carve out 30 minutes to move. It’s just that simple.

Enough blogging! Check out this video and see for yourself how achievable good health really is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aUaInS6HIGo

Taking the Pulse of Corporate Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

The Institute for Human Resources is taking the pulse of corporate wellness programs! Answers to the wellness survey will be compiled, aggregated and analyzed to develop a corporate wellness research white paper. Participation in the five minute survey entitles individuals to a complimentary copy of the results. Click here to participate.

Fiona Gathright, President Wellness Corporate Solutions, is proud to serve on the Advisory Board and Sponsor the Institute for Human Resources' Employee Wellness Community.

Corporate Wellness Insights Nominated for Best Health Blog of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:13:00 +0000

A little recognition always feels nice…

Corporate Wellness Insights was recently nominated as one of Healthline’s “Best Health Blogs of 2011”. The contest runs from December 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012 so you’ve got 56 days (and 13 hours and 33 minutes) to cast your vote. We have heard from so many wonderful readers over the years who regularly provide us with positive feedback. Hopefully, we can count on your support!

Currently, the highest ranked blog has 106 votes so that’s the one to beat. We at WCS feel confident that with our global network of followers like you, we stand a real chance of winning the prize. First place gets $5000 – not too shabby Healthline!

Here’s how to vote for us:
1. Click this link http://www.healthline.com/health/best-health-blogs-contest
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page
3. Go to the tab that says “search”
4. Type in Corporate Wellness Insights
5. Log in with FB or twitter if prompted
6. Vote!

Holiday Celebrations Wellness Style

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:52:00 +0000

The holiday season is the perfect storm designed to lay siege to your company's wellness program. Between holiday parties, cold and flu season and climate changes, it is the time of year to remain vigilant in promoting healthy lifestyles.

Eat Right! Encourage healthy food choices at corporate parties.
"Maintain Don't Gain"! Consider a corporate challenge to motivate employees during the holiday season.
Cold and Flu Protection! Post signs reminding employees that clean hands is the best defense to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Stay Active! Update workout routines based on the seasonal weather.

Call to Action!

Contact Wellness Corporate Solutions for ideas on how to promote wellness at your company or to share what your company is doing this holiday season!

From Wellness Corporate Solutions December 2011 newsletter.

Click here to

receive our monthly newsletter and insights on creating a culture of health for your organization.

Cyber Monday - a Great Time to Promote Cyber Wellness!

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:33:00 +0000

This past weekend two powerful forces collided – the launch of the holiday shopping season and the Period of Vulnerability – the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day when individuals tend to lose focus on healthy lifestyle objectives!

As we enter this period of holiday excitement and stress, Wellness Corporate Solutions encourages companies to ride the wave of Cyber Monday and remind their employees about the Cyber Wellness options available in their company wellness toolkit!

Start your company’s campaign to help employees avoid holiday health pitfalls!

1. Remind employees to check out the resources on your wellness portal
2. Create messages for Wellness Champions to send to their constituents
3. Encourage employees to contact health coaches to refresh their wellness goals
4. Publish employee success stories
5. Email employees a list of ways to stay fit and healthy during the holidays
6. Announce your company’s next corporate challenge

Call to Action!

Contact Wellness Corporate Solutions for ideas on how to promote Cyber Wellness at your company or to share what your company is doing this holiday season!

Compelling Case For Family Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:55:00 +0000

An employee's family, lifestyle and habits outside of the workplace impact their health in significant ways. When companies include the whole family in wellness programs, there is a much greater chance for prevention and behavior change for the employee.

Today's health headlines are compelling; the case for wellness and lifestyle changes imperative. Almost 1 out of every 2 adults has at least one chronic illness. Childhood obesity is on the rise and the resulting prevalence of chronic diseases has led a panel of government health experts to suggest cholesterol screenings for children.

Wellness programs provide an outstanding opportunity to influence healthy lifestyle choices outside the workplace. Some program components increase costs; however, improvement in the "family ROI" makes it a worthwhile investment.

Wellness Corporate Solutions recommends companies consider strategies to involve families in your company's wellness program:

Schedule health screening Saturdays
Provide flu shots to spouses and children
Post healthy recipes and lunchbox ideas
Distribute information about children's health risks
Promote family memberships to fitness clubs
Start a "pedometer for kids" campaign
Develop family health challenges

Post or contact Wellness Corporate Solutions to share family wellness programs that have been effective at your company!

Preparing Your Company for November 17th’s Great American Smoke Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:43:00 +0000

November 17^th is the American Lung Association's Great American Smoke Out. While smoking is a personal decision, comprehensive wellness programs have gone a long way in helping motivate employees to quit and reap the resulting health benefits.

The health impact of smoking includes a long list of serious illnesses; the economic statistics compiled by the CDC are staggering with tobacco use responsible for at least $96 billion per year in direct medical costs and $96.9 billion per year in lost productivity due to sickness and premature death. While the CDC reports that smoking has declined in recent years, “variations in smoking prevalence persist particularly by race/ethnicity, education, income, and region”. In addition,

a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that some elderly adults may turn to alcohol or cigarettes as a way to cope with financial stress, particularly those with less education.

Wellness Corporate Solutions (WCS) encourages companies to be proactive in encouraging healthier lifestyle choices and supporting behavior change for their employees:

1. Adopt policies to ban smoking in buildings, corporate campuses, and company vehicles
2. Educate employees on the health risks associated with smoking during health screenings and on-site health coaching
3. Offer financial incentives/disincentives for employees and their spouses to adopt non-smoking lifestyles
4. Encourage employees to quit by offering smoking cessation programs like WCS’ partnership with the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program which provides support at on-site clinics, online program and telephonic coaching calls
5. Evaluate and celebrate the success of existing smoking cessation programs

Wellness Programs Deliver AICR's "Make Time + Break Time = Cancer Protection"

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:21:00 +0000

Last week at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Annual Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Washington D.C., experts presented research indicating that sitting for long periods of time can increase some of those same indicators of cancer risk, even among people who exercise daily. In Make Time + Break Time = Cancer Prevention, AICR stresses that while physical activity should be part of a daily routine, individuals who take breaks every hour of sitting with 1 to 2 minutes of activity go further to protect themselves against many cancers.

Robust corporate wellness programs can go a long way to encouraging employees to reduce their risk. Creating an environment where incorporating physical activity during the course of the day should be part of a comprehensive wellness strategy. Wellness Corporate Solutions (WCS) recommends that companies create an environment to encourage movement, provide opportunity and make wellness fun.

Encourage Movement!

Decorate stairwells or post signs such as “Take a Few Steps to Better Health” which can encourage stair climbing instead of taking the elevator.
Schedule Moving Breaks where employees to take stretch breaks for better circulation and work efficiency.
Post signs in the parking lot to encourage employees to park further from the entrance.

Provide Opportunity!

Offer on-site exercise opportunities like classes, walking clubs, or walking routes from or around the office.
Support “walking meetings”. WCS clients love those buttons that say “Walking Meeting in Progress”. Employees can wear these while holding ‘walking meetings” and know this activity is supported by their company.

Consider the “Fun Factor”!

Examples include installing a basketball hoop outside offices, provide pedometers to track distance traveled while in the office, or offer balance ball chairs.

The Critical Role of Prevention and Wellness

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:48:00 +0000

As the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction races to meet the November deadline to recommend $1.2 trillion in budget cuts over 10 years, industry experts are watching the debate over any potential cuts to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA).

Public and private sectors monitor the outcome of potential cuts at a time where the United States faces significant healthcare challenges. In his October 12th testimony, Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H., assistant secretary for health at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said "The Affordable Care Act and, especially, the Prevention and Public Health Fund, is helping us make significant progress in our efforts to transition our nation’s health care system away from being a sick care system."

No matter which side of the aisle you are on, the work Wellness Corporate Solutions, our clients, and others in the industry are doing to promote wellness, has never been more important. The CDC estimates that heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths among Americans each year and treatment for people with chronic conditions accounts for more than 75 percent of the more than $2.5 trillion spent on annual U.S. medical care costs.

The statistics are compelling; prevention is critical. If you are looking for a call to action for your company, yourself, or your family, this is a rather loud one!

Boost Employee Performance with a Little Help from Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:34:00 +0000

As the afternoon slump creeps up on you, a short walk to the kitchen or the nearest Starbucks to grab a cup of coffee might sound like the perfect way to get the boost you need and prevent a total crash. In fact though, that cup ‘o joe might just increase stress levels and hamper productivity. Some recent studies show that a few minutes spent looking at nature scenes or going for a quick stroll outside might actually be the best antidote to the drowsiness that sets in towards the end of the workday.

For us city dwellers, it turns out that, like the deceptive cup of coffee, taking a walk around a city block might not be the best way to clear your mind. Although it’s a great way to squeeze in some physical activity during the workday, the attention required to maneuver through a busy urban environment can sap the brain of what little energy remains for the day. In contrast, the research suggests a serene, natural environment can help the mind to focus and rejuvenate.

Office workers can benefit from this information by placing soothing nature scenes around their desks or companies can allocate an out-of-the-way room as a deliberately peaceful escape.

Despite the finding that taking a walk through the city can exhaust the mind, it seems like the fresh air and familiar sights might serve to keep the brain sharp and engaged. Maybe dodging pedestrians on a busy city street isn’t the best choice for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, but it can’t hurt to get away from work if only for a few minutes to return refreshed and recharged.

Employee Wellness Virtual Workshops - September 15th and 16th

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Do you feel ready to launch a wellness initiative at your company but you’re nervous about taking the plunge? Are you a CEO, a CFO, or a Human Resources Manager looking to offer your employees better benefits? Or, are the current health benefits at your office starting to feel stale or inadequate?

On Sept 14th and 15th, the Institute of Human Resources is hosting free, interactive online webinars to educate employers about the benefits of workplace wellness and guide them towards effective implementation. These virtual workshops feature a diverse group of speakers ranging from Don Powell of the American Institute For Preventive Medicine to Dr. Naomi Abrams of Worksite Health and Safety Consultants.

Our very own Fiona Gathright will present on the 15th from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ET on “Seven Strategies for a High Engagement Wellness Program”. Tune in to the HR.com workshop series for more information from these industry experts on the importance of workplace wellness and increasing your company’s return on investment.

Frequent Flyers Beware: Odds of Obesity are Sky High

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:28:00 +0000

An important conclusion one can draw from a recent article in The Wall Street Journal is that companies need to help protect the health of their frequent flyers. Studies show that stress, disrupted sleep schedules, and restaurant food all contribute to weight gain, so employees who are frequently on the road hardly stand a chance. In fact, workers who spend three weeks or more out of every month traveling are 92% more likely to be obese than light travelers. And obese employees – as we all well know – pose a serious financial risk to the employer.

Luckily, many hotels and airports are offering amenities to enhance the travel experience and increase opportunities for fitness away from home. Chicago’s O’hare and Boston’s Logan airport both offer gym access to jetsetters with spare time, but for the most part, exercise facilities are still a rare find on the road. Better options usually appear once travelers reach their hotel. Westin is now offering New Balance running shoes and workout attire to guests free of charge to encourage healthy habits. If you or a loved one travels for work – take note: as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day can significantly decrease health risks associated with weight gain.

The biggest issue for many, though, is the lack of routine. When we’re at home it’s easy to establish a set schedule with time for meal prep and physical activity. On the road, however, we are at the mercy of fate and erratic schedules. Flight delays, rental car issues, and business functions make up an environment where the traveler is not in control of the situation. Even a mindful eater and conscientious exerciser at home can fall victim to what presents itself when cruising at 35,000 feet or noshing at rest stops off the highway.

As The Journal puts it: “Being a road warrior can be good for your career but bad for your health”. Employers need to recognize the risks employees face and either minimize travel (take advantage of available technology and reduce in-person appearances) or pay particular attention to the health of these employees. Healthy workers should be both a personal and a professional priority.

It's Busy Season - And That's a Good Thing!

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:07:00 +0000

The calendar might have just hit “August” but it’s already Fall in Wellness World.

Autumn indicates a huge uptick in business for those of us in corporate wellness. Clients are eager to see a return on their investment by offering flu shots, biometric screenings, and health education to promote company health and boost employee morale as the lazy summer days slip away. Typically, summertime is a quiet period – the calm before the storm – but this year, business is booming!

At last, it seems companies are recognizing the value of our programs or perhaps government influence is finally nudging corporations toward preventative health measures. Regardless of the cause, summers have never been so busy. Most employees associate summertime with casual Fridays, long weekends, and generally abbreviated work schedules, but our summer here at WCS has already kicked into high gear. We have launched dozens of new screening programs, finalized flu shot schedules and begun the final stages of fall wellness challenges (expanding internationally this year!) in addition to maintaining face time with our existing, loyal clientele.

Our research shows that 77% of employees who set goals and participate in WCS corporate wellness initiatives improve or stabilize their blood pressure throughout the course of the program and 97% boast improved or stabilized BMI. This type of hard data is exactly what companies need to see because a healthier workforce translates to a significant ROI. That return on investment often boosts company confidence and leads to an increase in profits down the line.

Personal health and economic prosperity are undeniably and inextricably linked. Wellness companies, in their own unique way, have the power to improve the economic health of the nation by encouraging healthy behaviors among America’s workers.

Rested Minds = Productive Minds: A Case for "Slacking" at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:47:00 +0000

As we slide headfirst into our busiest season, it’s important to take stock of our mental health and step away from our desks, put the blackberries away at the end of the day, or even take some time away from the office to rest and recharge. It’s easy to obsessively check email outside of the work environment, but the most productive employees are those that can distance themselves from the office and return fresh and re-energized the following day.

In fact, research shows that employees who spend time daydreaming are more creative and better at generating new ideas. So, rather than load up on caffeine to stay focused from 9-5, take a couple minutes to clear your head. Go for a walk, chat with coworkers, or eat lunch at a park nearby. If this behavior is appropriate in your office environment, go for it! Business can benefit from some employee downtime.

If you want to push productivity in this manner, try offering flexible work schedules, encourage some idle internet surfing, and don’t necessarily assume that an employee staring off into space is slacking. Just like recovery is a critical component of getting in shape physically, mental rest is crucial to keep the brain in tip top condition.

Meritrust Named 'Working Well Award Recipient'

noreply@blogger.com (Fiona Gathright) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Our success stories continue! Meritrust Credit Union, one of our favorite Midwestern clients, recently received a state-sanctioned award for their innovative approach to health promotion within their 14 regional branches. Along with IMA of Kansas and Cessna Aircraft Co., Meritrust was named a 2011 Working Well Award Recipient by the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita.

Congrats to Meritrust for this honorable award and kudos to Wichita’s Health and Wellness Coalition for recognizing the dynamic, incentive-based program we have worked hard to provide over the past year.

The 220-person company boasts a plethora of wellness activities, ranging from onsite lunch and learns and health coaching to blood drives and flu shots. Every quarter, a “wellness warrior” is identified from within the pool of employees and these efforts and successes serve as motivation for coworkers.
The Meritrust wellness program is one of our more comprehensive projects. Our client looks to Wellness Corporate Solutions for guidance and innovative ideas and their dedicated program manager works tirelessly to maximize engagement and keep employees happily healthy.

Congratulations Meritrust for all your hard work!