Chamber Gets Fiscal AND Physical: Here are Some Tips Related to Wellness Programs

A corporate wellness program (learn more about wellness at the Chamber’s Business of Health web site) is a great tool to improve employee health/performance, reduce health insurance costs and recruit/retain young talent.  At the Indiana Chamber, we are in the second year of our program.  I’d like to share a few of our initiatives for you to consider at your workplace:
 
1. Annual health screenings and flu shots
2. Walking Club – Tuesday, Thursday at 11:30
3. Yoga – Monday during the lunch hour
4. Guest speakers – motivation, nutrition, healthy cooking and exercise
5. Wellness Wednesday – free healthy snacks for staff members
6. Corporate health club membership – educational material and discounts for staff members
7. Chamber-sponsored kickball team
8. After hours functions – bike ride on the Monon Trail, hiking at Brown County and basketball games
9. Monthly wellness newsletter
 
Our wellness points rewards system offers up to two additional wellness days each year if the employee reaches a certain point threshold every six months. The top point recipients receive wellness days and gift cards to health food outlets.
 
If you find these to provide great returns for your company, feel free to buy me lunch.  And, no, a deep-fried Snickers from the State Fair is not acceptable.

Kicking Our Way to Better Health

Many companies are finding that improving employees’ personal wellness can help save on health care costs by reducing illness and medical claims. Companies are also finding that wellness programs can be a lot of fun. 

The Indiana Chamber’s wellness program includes a variety of activities, including – for the second season – organized kickball. The Chamber competes against other teams on Wednesday nights. The season lasts approximately eight weeks, including playoffs, and does a great job of fostering teamwork among employees.

All Chamber wellness activities are completely voluntary and offer rewards, including the opportunity to earn a paid day off, to participating staff.