THE NEED FOR HEALTH PROMOTION Topic One, Part Two

What is Worksite Health?  Workplace health programs are a: “coordinated and comprehensive set of health promotion and protection strategies implemented at the worksite that includes:  programs,  policies,  benefits,  environmental supports,  and links to the surrounding community designed to encourage the health and safety of all employees

Types of WHPP  Awareness activities:  increase the knowledge base and broaden perception of specific health problems or issues.

Types of WHPP  Lifestyle change programs:  include various behavior change strategies designed to positively modify current activities.

Types of WHPP  Supportive environments programs:  provide encouragement, assistance, and reinforcement for positive health behaviors.

Benefits of Worksite Health Programs  Worksite health promotion (WHP) results in:  1. a healthier workforce  2. increased morale  3. lower absenteeism  4. retention of quality workers  5. attraction of prospective employees (National Worksite Health Promotion Survey, 1999)

Benefits Continued  Increased Productivity  Employees with multiple health risks tend to be less productive than healthier peers.  Many studies have indicated that health promotion programs improve health and significantly reduce absenteeism.  Increased employee productivity = cost savings for businesses

Benefits Continued  Cost Savings  Can be difficult to measure and is costly to analyze.  Significantly reduces absenteeism.  Increases productivity, which translates to savings.  Reduces medical expenses.

Health and Productivity Management  The worker at risk for disease is a business liability with both direct and indirect costs.  Businesses are beginning to realize that:  good employee health = increased productivity = cost savings to the business.  Other benefits for workers:  increased focus and job satisfaction a positive outlook better relations with other.

Wanted: Diverse Backgrounds  Today’s health promotion professional must be as comfortable in the boardroom as in an exercise or classroom setting: — business — management — marketing — counseling — health — education

Community Settings  Community interventions  seek small but important changes that relate to most of the population in a community.  Interventions within a community  focus on producing change in a subpopulation within the community.

Sites for Community Health Promotion  Hospital/Clinical/Agency Settings  commonly include activities for employees, their families, and even the community at large.

Sites for Community Health Promotion  Colleges and Universities  opportunities outside the classroom for students, staff, and faculty to enhance the quality of their lives.

Sites for Community Health Promotion  School Health  coordinated school health programs – 8 component model that includes:  Health Promotion for Faculty and Staff  School Nutritional Services  School Health Services  Physical Education  Health Education  Counseling, Psychological and Social Services  Healthy and Safe School Environment  Parent and Community Involvement