Is Your Organization Encouraging Wellness?

A worksite wellness program that consists of only a health risk assessment is missing out on the opportunity to impact the broader factors that influence unhealthy behavior in employees’ lives – such as physical and emotional stress, both at work and home.

The Institute for Wellness Education has conducted research that shows significant gaps in understanding as to what constitutes good health and wellness. Studies show that more than 1 in 3 Americans do not recognize the difference between wellness and the absence of diagnosed illness or disease. In addition, misconceptions are prevalent with regard to how to make effective and sustainable lifestyle changes.

For example, despite evidence demonstrating that multiple factors – including psychological, social, physiological and sustainable weight loss, 73% of men and 68% of women believe willpower to be the most important element.

Sustainable change requires solutions tailored to the individual’s needs, interests and desires. Employers can impact unhealthy behaviors by offering a variety of programs that encourage or promote healthy habits and activities, both in the workplace and at home.

For more health and wellness tips and information, view the Diversified Group’s Summer Group Scoop Newsletter.