Managing Employer Wellness Program resources

To effectively manage your Employer Wellness Program resources, first determine the resources you need and the resources you have. Then develop a plan to fill the resource gaps.

What Employer Wellness Program resources do you need?
• Make a list of workers, materials, equipment, space, and logistical support.
• Be as specific as possible.
• Include partnerships that will be needed to make the Employer Wellness Program happen.

Identify available Employer Wellness Program resources.
• Use materials that exist or are already on hand. Resist the temptation to start from scratch!
• Determine what other departments already have.
• Know where to borrow or get free materials.
• Use local or internal resources whenever possible.
• Look for opportunities to cut and/or share costs.

Develop a strategy to fill Employer Wellness Program resource gaps.
• Partner with as many workers and employers as you can. Emphasize what’s in it for them.
o Example: use a Physical Therapist to teach a back health class.
• Make use of community organizations and coalitions.
• Use volunteers as frequently as possible.
o Red Cross volunteers, medical interns or nursing students can supplement your manpower.

Former Employer Wellness Program members make good guest speakers.
• Keep a list of subject matter experts who will provide input for free so you can avoid the expense of an outside contractor or consultant.

Look for creative Employer Wellness Program opportunities.
• Other funding opportunities may exist at your facility.
o Example: if there is a book fair, see if you can apply to receive some of the proceeds.
• Ask the unit to contribute resources to Employee Wellness Programs directly started at the unit level.
• Get to know the contracting person at your company. They frequently know the least expensive places to obtain many different kinds of materials.
• Look for “recycling” possibilities.
o Example: You may be able to give you old computer workstations for use with electronic health assessments.

Good communication will help you find more partners and volunteers.
• Get the word out to the community about your Employee Wellness Programs.
• Describe what you are doing and how you are doing it.
• Presentation is everything. Keep information current and use lots of visual aids.

All Employee Wellness Programs require resources. Some resources you will already have. Some resources you will have to find. Sometimes you will have to make something out of very little. Smart strategies can maximize your Wellness resources.