Pub. 1 2012 Issue 2

Fall Issue 2012 21 benefits, information on local yoga studios and other online resources and articles that speak of optimumwork /life balance. Lastly, inspiration goes a long way to shift our focus from our day-to-day challenges to life’s greater meaning. Have you considered sending out an inspirational quote every morning to your employees? Although a small gesture, this daily reminder has the potential to start the work day for all employees on a positive, serene and meaningful note. 5. Health Awareness Companies should encourage their employees to go to their doctor at least once a year for their annual check-up to know more about the numbers asso- ciatedwith their health.Typical tests include cholesterol, blood glucose or body mass index (BMI). Many companies with robust wellness programs offer their employees access to biometric screenings so they can find out more information about their numbers and learn ways to improve their overall health. These tests are the first step to accept accountability of one’s health and start on the path to improve it. Employers can implement these and any number of other small changes to positively affect the physical health and productivity of employees and in turn, reduce rising health care costs. For more information about Sharp Health Plan, visit www.SharpHealthPlan.com . About Todd Pearce, MPH, MBA - Wellness Manager, Sharp Health Plan. Todd has spent the last 12 years leading, implementing and consulting on evidenced-based public health prevention and wellness programs. In his current role at Sharp Health Plan, he leads Best Health, a wellness program designed to help employers create a culture of health to engage employees in wellness and to contain health care costs over time. As part of the program, employees can participate inwellness challenges, speak to a personal health coach and use online tools and trackers to begin their journey to best health. more easy and enjoyable while at work but prevent spills around office equipment and machinery. make very low cost pedometers that can be purchased for each employee to track their steps and“compete”against their fellow colleagues. To sup- port them in this fun activity, a weekly or biweekly walking club can be formed. Chances are employees in your midst are already doing a great job of incorporating daily walks into their work schedule. Social support really lends well to any wellness activity and does a lot to encourage healthy habits like regular walking. We have all had those days when we struggled to make good healthy choices. However, if employees know that they will have a chance to catch up with a co-worker while on a walking club outing, most likely they will go. All it takes is a couple of volunteer walking club facilitators to lead the walks and excitement and visibility is sure to grow. 3. Hydration One way to eliminate calories is by drinking water instead of a soda or sugary drink. Drinking water both reduces calories and helps employees to feel better. Companies can encour- age their employees to drink more water at work by offering greater access to water stations in the workplace. Spa water, a refreshing mixture of chilled water combined with slices of lemons, limes, cucumber or even peaches, is a cool treat on a hot afternoon and may encourage employees to drink more water. Drinking more water while at work can also be encouraged by providing water tumblers to all employees in conjunction with a staff appreciation event or gesture. Those designed with a fitted straw and lid not only make drinking water more easy and enjoyable while at work but prevent spills around office equipment and machinery. 4. Stress Management In today ’s working world, employees are overwhelmed with demands, deadlines and expectations. It’s important for employees to take time out to relax. One way employees can do this is to take five to 10 minutes out of their day to get away from the daily grind. Many organizations that support worksite wellness have created quiet rooms for their employees tode-stress for amoment during the day. Different from a noisy, television-filled lunch room, a quiet room is reserved for employees who want to sit and quietly, read or relax.You can again step in as their wellness “concierge”and educate employees on the helpful resources they already have at their fingertips to help them better manage their stress. These can include how to easily access their Employee Assistance Program