1. Julie Jackman Fit City Worksite Wellness Program Mecklenburg County Health Department Worksite Wellness Working With Small Businesses to Create a Healthier Workplace

2. What Works in Worksite Wellness Step 1: Where to begin. Gather Data Step 2: What you can do. Program Development Step 3: What have others done. Success Stories Step 4: Find Valuable Resources. Resources to Help

3. Step 1: Gather Data What do your employees WANT? Employee Interest Survey

4. Step 1: Gather Data What do your employees NEED? Health Risk Appraisals

5. Step 1: Gather Data Evaluate your worksite. Worksite Self-Assessment.

6. Step 2: Program Development Gather onsite advocates to create a worksite wellness team. Find Upper Management Support Brand your program; give it staying power! Create a comprehensive, organized one year plan for wellness. Monthly or Quarterly emphasis; supportive activities and education, environmental supports and evaluation methods.

7. Step 2: Program Development

8. Provide Opportunities for Physical Activity Onsite Fitness Classes Fitness Center or Fitness Corner Company Sports Teams Connect to Parks & Greenways Biking/Bus to Work Take the Stairs Signs Walking Group Challenge Map out Walking Paths Hold a Walking Meeting Stretching at Work Treadmill Workstations Basketball hoop outside

9. Step 2: Program Development Provide access to healthy food Nutritious Vending Options Healthy Cafeteria Options Healthy Snack Program Fruit Basket Program Healthy Options at Company Events Company Farmers Markets

10. Step 2: Program Development Provide Education and Information on Healthy Living Lunch and learns Wellness bulletin boards Wellness Newsletter Weekly wellness e-mails Wellness intranet site Links to fitness and nutrition websites Flyers and brochures in break- rooms, elevators and restrooms Wellness Minute during staff or safety meetings Fitness and nutrition magazines in break rooms Screen saver health messages

11. Step 2: Program Development Implement policies that support healthy nutrition Healthy Options at Company Events Healthy Options in Cafeteria Healthy Vending/Snack Options No Food Dumping Policy Healthy Food Policy for Vendors

12. Step 2: Program Development Implement policies that support being active at work Policy allowing Walking Meetings Flexible work schedule to be active Supporting active volunteerism Sponsoring employee participation in charity race/walk Guaranteed Ride Home

13. Step 2: Program Development Environment that supports healthy lifestyles Worksite Wellness Board Wellness Information Center Scales, Blood Pressure Self-Check and Body Fat Machines Rest and Relaxation Room Walking Paths and Maps Stairwell Makeover Outdoor Conference Area Smoke Free Campus

14. Step 2: Program Development Provide incentives to change behavior. Money is the most effective incentive. Cash and Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards are most popular because they can use it where they need it. Think outside the pocketbook: Donations from local businesses Jeans Day Leave early on a Friday Trophy, including bragging rights Recognition and Certificate at company meeting Featured on the Wellness Board

15. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Many small businesses have discovered ways to create a healthier work environment on a limited budget. Success Tips: Focus on low hanging fruit Enlist help of onsite advocates Utilize local resources Start small and focus on sustainable changes

16. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Afternoon Stretching Program This small business stops for 5 minutes every afternoon to take a stretch break. Employees report feeling more relaxed and focused after stretching.

17. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Fruit Basket Program Many companies are providing access to fruit at work.

18. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Healthier Vending Machine This small manufacturing company requested healthier options in vending machines and worked with vending company to raise prices on unhealthy options and lower prices on healthy options.

19. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Healthy Snack Program Many companies have started their own Healthy Snack Program when vending was out of their control.

20. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Onsite Farmers Market Many companies have invited local farmers to sell their produce to employees

21. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Walking Meeting The Mecklenburg County Health Department allows employees to hold a “walking meeting”.

22. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Fitness Corner This small laboratory testing facility provided free weights and mats in a corner of a small office.

23. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Wellness Board of the Month Posted a Wellness Board.

24. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Wellness Newsletter Art department at this progressive architectural firm created their own wellness newsletter.

25. Step 3: Worksite Success Stories Created a beautiful outdoor space. Employees now use the space as a destination on a walk, a place to read through paperwork or to eat lunch.

26. Step 4: Resources to Help www.fitcitychallenge.org

27. Step 4: Resources to Help  10 Step Guide to Starting a Wellness Program  Employee Interest Survey  Health Fair Tips  Lunch and Learn Topics  Create a Worksite Wellness Team www.fitcitychallenge.org Visit www.fitcitychallenge.org for tips and resources to help you Create a Healthy Worksite  Employee Incentive Ideas  ROI Calculator  Walking Calculator  Fast Food Calculator  BMI Calculator  Daily Calorie Requirements

28. Step 4: Resources to Help Other Worksite Wellness Resources Eat Smart Move More NC. Employee Wellness Program resources and information located at www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com. CDC. Healthier Worksite Initiative and Lean Works Programs. Very detailed information on how to begin and sustain wellness programs. www.cdc.gov. Welcoa (Wellness Council of America): Annual fee of around $300, Downloadable PowerPoints, Educational webinars, Articles and other resource information. www.welcoa.com. Check out States of Arkansas, California, Washington, Oregon and New York for impressive government programs.

29. Step 5: Breathe! Don’t get overwhelmed, start small! Every program is different, every worksite is unique. There is no perfect program. Do what works for your organization. Use the resources and experience of others to save you time and money. Every step made toward health is a step well taken! It’s worth the effort!

30. Thank you! Julie Jackman Mecklenburg County Health Department Fit City Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator 704-432-4526 julie.jackman@mecklenburgcountync.gov www.fitcitychallenge.org