Wellness Program Objectives and Recognition Programs.

Every workplace will have workers who will not participate in offered corporate wellness activities. But these same workers might  be following many healthful practices in their daily living.

A good wellness program ought to give these people  credit and recognition for their good work.

Recognition of healthy goal establishing and goal achievement is a good approach for reinforcing what people  are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who do not like group activities.    

Suggested steps for individual objectives and recognition include -    

• A form workers can fill out which includes the set goal(s) and a target date for completion.   

• Information on setting realistic objectives, as people  often overestimate what they are able to do and by when. It’s good to remind staff members “baby steps” count!   

• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee goal forms in a dated “tickler” system.   

• Send a reminder to each staff member at the time of each participant’s goal date. This reminder can be a copy of their original goal form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their goal(s) -  completed the goal, need an extension, or have discontinued the goal.   

• When the form is returned from an employee -    

   1) If an staff member has completed the goal, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the goal (if possible).

   2) If the staff member renegotiates the deadline or the goal, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to encourage the staff member.

   3) When the goal is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and encourage the worker to try again when the timing is right.

• Allow those interested in this process to set objectives any time and as often as they want.