Evolving Corporate Wellness Programs

Corporate Wellness Programs are a popular benefit at many companies throughout the country. Used to attract and retain top employees, wellness programs also help to keep healthcare costs down and employee productivity up. During a recent conversation with a Corporate Wellness employee at a local company, the topic of weight loss came up. Employees are becoming resistant to enrolling in a public weight loss program at their company. It’s not that the employee doesn’t want to lose weight either. What it really comes down to is the public display of private information – their actual weight.

In reality, the truth can hurt, it can also be embarrassing. We know when we should lose weight. And how much. But do we really want the world, or in this case every coworker, to know this? So, in response to this shift from “Biggest Loser” is a culture of movement. In a society where people are sedentary most of the day, the trend is now towards moving the body, in addition to eating healthy. Besides, weight loss is only one component of healthy living. Plus, what you weigh does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy either. So, the focus is now shifting to movement.

Movement is a choice. And businesses all across the country are looking at ways to infuse movement throughout a work day from:

• encouraging the use of stairs vs the elevator
• taking a walk during lunch or a break
• purchasing standing desks
• creating a space for fun such as adding ping pong tables, a weight room, or walking trails
• supporting a local 5k charity event
• partnering with a local gym to offer discounted memberships
• offering lunch and learns to educate and inform employees about maintaining good health

Losing weight and getting healthy has never been any easier, especially when the workplace promotes it, too. The shift from public weight loss programs and contests has actually made for even better wellness programs. But even if your company does not offer these wellness benefits, you can take matters into your own hands by choosing the path of movement when given an option.