Over the last several years there has been an increased interest on health and wellness throughout our culture. I have recognized this emphasis at conferences over the last two years as well. At both the National Congress of American Indians Annual Convention last year and the National Indian Child Welfare Association Conference this spring there were native organizations promoting health and wellness. The interest and focus on health and wellness has gained prominence in our communities, tribes and workplaces.
Earlier this week at Handel Alice Burron, a wellness expert who currently serves as the Wellness Coordinator for 1800 employees at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in addition to her consulting business (www.2bfit.net) , spoke to the staff about employee wellness programs. Here at Handel we have been promoting health informally through various activities, including our annual adventure relay running teams, onsite fitness room and free fruits and juices in the kitchen. Alice talked to us about the benefits of forming plans for accomplishing health and wellness goals, and to gauge interest in developing a Wellness Program at Handel.
As a runner who has difficulty following a running program unless there is a race facing me, I recognize the value of a formalized plan when one wants to realize definite goals. The information Alice provided was great ans was very well received by everyone here. As a company we want to go from providing opportunities for health activities to action plans and goals for wellness.Wellness is a state of contentment in mind, body and spirit and encompasses a more holistic lifestyle view beyond just physical fitness. For instance, stress management is a common wellness issue that relates to but also extends beyond physical health. The benefits of promoting wellness in the workplace were compelling and included
- increased productivity
- better attitude and job satisfaction
- reduced after-work recovery time
Workplace wellness programs provide employees with health awareness education, services, opportunities, motivation and encouragement. Employees become aware of wellness issues and health risks and learn how to address them by developing goal-based plans that decrease their risks and incress their wellness. Through working together towards individual and/ or company-wide goals, participants gain encouragement and motivation and achieve great results.
Riding the enthusiasm from the presentation yesterday, our next steps in developing a Handel Wellness Program include defining a vision and mission, determining incentives and rewards, and coming up with a cool name for our program.
Of course we will eventually also be planning how we can manage and report on our Wellness Program using RiteTrack. Because we use RiteTrack for all of our other information management, this is a natural extension of our Handel RiteTrack system and one that may have value elsewhere. Agencies that use RiteTrack are workplaces which often serve and represent their communities, and wellness staff and clientele are important to our customers as well. Who knows, we might have a new RiteTrack modulte to offer you soon that will help you manage your wellness program.
Be healthy and well!
Casey