Wellness Programs - Small vs. Big Corporation Options.

Can a small corporation support corporate wellness? Absolutely! Indeed, in some ways it is easier to develop a healthy workplace in a small corporation than in a large business.

Limited resources, specifically in small businesses, can prevent an business from setting up a wellness program. Reasons can include -

• lack of budget resources;

• lack of staff;

• lack of senior-level support;

• little knowledge of the wellness theory and;

• concern about making wellness available to all staff members.

As reported by the Wellness Councils of America, some small corporation owners might have the wrong idea of what is involved in having a wellness program.

Some corporations are not sure a program would really work and others feel that attempting to change personal lifestyle behaviours is intruding and “none of their business”.  

Perhaps they do not understand that it does not need to be costly and that they do not need special staff. They may not realize that some staff would like to see some healthy changes and would help make things happen in their workplace.

It can be Done

Many small companies have found ways to have a wellness program that works for them. They keep the cost and effort to a minimum and still have results that are positive for everybody.

In 2006, Graham Lowe wrote a report on the best places to work in Calgary. He said that healthy workplaces often have a “positive workplace culture”.  In a workplace with a positive culture, individuals  feel appreciated, valued, and trusted.

Dr. Lowe says it is easier for a small workplace to have a positive workplace culture than for a large workplace. Many workers prefer to work for a small company, he says, because it provides more opportunities to work closely with others and create a sense of community.

In his report, Dr. Lowe says the most successful companies with fewer than 100 employees have -

• excellent worker benefits;

• policies that promote a balance between work and personal life;

• flexible schedules;

• competitive salaries;

• excellent leadership with an emphasis on teamwork;

• environmentally responsible corporation policies;

• procedures for seeking employee input; and

• a focus on placing employees’ personal wellness ahead of the personal gain of company leaders.

All or most of these elements are also components of a good wellness program.

Tips and Ideas

There are many ways to include wellness in a small company. You do not necessarily need a wellness expert or a fancy health club.

What you do need is support from management and a committee of a few committed people . Here are some ideas that your workplace can consider.

Communications and Promotion

• Send out a regular “wellness” newsletter in hard copy or online. Or send out a simple message like the weekly Healthful U Hot Tip.

• Use promotions that are already designed such as Healthful Workplace Week.

Active Living and Healthful Eating

•  Be sure to encourage staff to sign up for the Stairway to Health stair climbing competition.

• Get pedometers for staff members and track their steps.

• Rent a nearby school or community fitness center and offer exercise classes.

• Hire a local fitness instructor to give classes or lead stretch breaks. Costs may be shared with employees.

• Install secure bike parking.

• Serve healthy alternatives at company meetings and lunches.

Policy and Organizational Programs

• Hire an ergonomics professional to assess workstations.

• Create policies to support work-life balance (for example, mandatory vacations, flextime, limits to work and e-mail on personal time).

• Provide a wellness subsidy for a selection of health and leadership activities and courses.

• Offer financial incentives to be healthy.

• Offer wellness incentives as rewards and recognition for a job well done.

• Conduct an organizational health audit (NQI Healthful Workplace Week).

• Become a partner with the community (for example, daycare, health clubs, festivals, parks, restaurants).

• Spread the workload. Make sure to set up a wellness committee.

Small corporations might not have a lot of time, money, or human resources available for a wellness program. But they often have a enormous advantage over large companies-a positive workplace culture.

That is a great foundation for a wellness program. When staff members are satisfied, enjoy their work environment, they’re more productive, and tend to be healthier.  With a little creativity and passion, small corporations can develop successful wellness programs.

Get support from management, form a committee of two or more and discover the possibilities!