Program Proposal Employee Wellness

1 Employee Wellness Program Proposal By: Kyle Redo & Dr. Andy KoenigsEmporia High School: Randy Wells and Curtis Simons Emporia Middle School: Matt Baumwart Food Services: Denise KaterLogan Avenue: Ashley Brooks Maynard Early Childhood Center: Keva ScheibRiverside Elementary: Tracy Keough Timmerman Elementary: Casey PhillipsTransportation: Tracy PoseyCustodial / Maintenance: Johnny Drake Turning Point Academy: Ashley ConradeVillage Elementary: Hillary Carlson Walnut Elementary: Manuel Estrada and Allison HarderWilliam Allen White Elementary: Brandi Maples FHSEC: Monica Duncan MHEC: Karen Flood, Paul Beadles & Vicki Schweinler Wellness Committee 2014-2015 Met Once a Month Developed an All-Staff Needs Survey Researched Other Wellness Programs Researched Vital Components of Wellness Plans Learned about Healthy Nutritional Options each month Shared ideas from each building Provided Wellness Tips in Clipboard Made EHS Fitness Center more usable to staff Heard Presentations Several Wellness Companies Developed the Emporia Schools Wellness PlanWellness Committee Activities-Scheduled to begin August 2015- Program is COMPLETELY voluntary-Open to all USD 253 employees General Information Wellness is a state of physical, mental, and emotional fitness.

2 Some might call it Well-being. Employee Wellness today often includes physical well-being, mental well-being, and financial well-being. What is workplace Wellness ?EMS Staff Doing WellnessActivities Why are companies offering Wellness programs now? Wellness is a must have rather than a nice to have . Crushing workers compensation and health care premiums, Proactive stance when it comes to the health of their employees. Employee Wellness programs provide a number of immediate benefits. Sends an important message to employees: We value your health and well-being. This kind of personal message encourages productivity and helps retain top talent. Functions as a unique and effective public relations tool. Can translate into a powerful competitive advantage. Why Wellness ?-Lower health care cost-Reduced absenteeism-Achieved higher Employee productivity-Reduced injuries-Improved Employee morale and loyalty-Reduced worker s compensation and disability-related costsWellness Benefits to the Company A 2011 study published by the American Journal of Health Promotion demonstrated that health care costs rose at a 15 percent slower rate among Wellness Program participants when employers consistently offered a Wellness Program to their employees.

3 A review of 72 studies published in the American Journal of Health Promotion showed an average corporate Wellness return on investment (ROI) of $ per $1 when considering health care costs alone, $ when examining absenteeism and $ when both outcomes are considered. Research on Wellness ProgramsEmployee Wellness Program Components THE Risk Assessment (HRA) District Health Fair - Sat. Sept. and Well-Being Classes for Management Cooking/Nutrition FitnessEmporia Wellness Components6. Incentives7. Local Business Discounts8. Community Partnerships9. Increased Use of School Facilities10. Alternatives and Options11. Regular Communication and Updates via a Facebook PageComponents (Cont.)Emporia Public Schools Transportation Department Incentive programs are an important part of any Wellness Program . It raises awareness It inspires action It Increases Employee engagement Examples - Discount on health insurance premium, extra vacation or personal day, t-shirts, prizes, rewards, wrist bands, etc.

4 Incentives are CriticalBiometric Screenings are a critical component for any Wellness Program . Measure individual improvement Measure organizational improvement Helps locate areas to focus on district-wide Overall its an easy, trackable piece of data that administration can use Components that make up Biometric screening are the following: Height Weight Blood Sugar Body Fat (BMI) Cholesterol Biometric Screenings The HRA a questionnaire of background, family history, personal history, medical info,and personal goals that determine a person s biological vs healthy age. This information is vital to help employees focus on certain factors that might prolong their lives. Health Risk Assessment (HRA)Saturday, September 19th from 10am to 2pm at EHSP ossible Booths, Vendors, and Community Resources: Local health clubs Financial fitness Counseling Stress management and Mental Health Lyon County Health Department Medical clinics and Newman Regional Hospital Flu shots may be offered Healthy cooking demonstrations Other community resources Biometrics screening will take place as well as health risk Health FairEncourage more usage of what we already have such as: EHS Fitness Room Walking Path between EHS & EMS Gyms Tracks Tennis Courts Jones Activity Center Utilize School District ResourcesCorporate Discounts or a standard percentage discount would be sought out with area businesses for all employees participating the district Wellness Program .

5 The silicone wrist band would identify that Employee as a Wellness plan participant. Gym/Health Club Discounts Emporia Rec Golf Courses Putt Putt Dynamic Discs Bowling Alley Nature s Paradise Other Local BusinessDiscounts at Local BusinessesBuild partnerships and discounts for employees at local health clubs and gyms. Genesis Rec Center Emporia Fitness 24/7 Heart Center Studio Yoga Gym/Health Club Partnerships Dan s Hands, Celtic Massage & Essential Kneads GNC & Nature s Paradise Brown s Shoe Fit Hibbett Sports & High Gear Dynamic Discs Mike s Sporting Goods Local Golf Courses Local Bike ShopsOther Local Business Considerations EMPAC is a resource that is already available to all employees at no cost. This will be promoted as a district-provided resource. Suggestions or tips on well being,mental health issues or stress could be made through the Facebook page.

6 This may include stress management classes, financial counseling, marital counseling, substance abuse counseling, and personal counseling. Emotional Well Being Stress Management This course would focus on helping individuals with developing healthy stress management techniquesFinancial Wellbeing This course would focus on helping individuals with developing a budget and alleviating financial hardshipsSmoking Cessation This class would provide steps, counseling, and support on how to stop smoking to improve your health within the Wellness Classes on WellbeingGroup Fitness Classes Zumba, yoga, aerobics, or boot camps could be taught by local gyms or school employees who had an interest in teaching a classHealthy Cooking/Nutrition This class would educate participants on eating healthy, making wise food choices, recipes for healthy foods, Continued All activities, points and events are approved through the Wellness committee.

7 Points may be given depending on intensity and duration of activity. Points may be utilized toward an incentive Program . District employees can earn points through approved activities either organized through the buildings, district or community. Activities do not need to be local to count, they would need to be sent to the Wellness committee to approve and promote to district employees. Buildings may organize group fitness activities such as Zumba, lunch walking bunch, weight training, aerobics, etc. and promote throughout the district. There will be a dedicated communication site/calendar on which all activities will be Approved Activities Options for staff that can t participate in some of the events will be developed Any Wellness plan will have alternative activities or opportunities for staff unable to participate in an activity if this activity is required for an Employee incentive.

8 Options/Alternatives Creation of a Wellness facebook group for participating will be our main source of regular communication with Wellness Program participants. It will be a closed group that only participants in Program will be able to see. The page will contain the following: General information about Wellness Program Upcoming district Wellness events on calendar Healthy recipes Employee success stories Local coupons Fitness quotes Workout tips Regular Wellness Communication The cookies, chocolate, and donuts would NOT be banned but healthier options would made available to staff to make healthier choices Staff lounges and vending machines available at schools would offer healthier options such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, protein bars, Healthy crackers, yogurt, granola bars, oatmeal, bottled water, protein shakes, etc.

9 During PLC or other district meetings where snacks or food are available, healthier options will be encouraged to give the Employee choicesHealthier Options for StaffFood service now offers chef salads for staff members and will deliver to each school. Possibly look at creating a healthy lunch menu from food service with two or three standard items to choose from for staff. Example: Chef Salad or Turkey WrapWe would like to see healthy lunch options offered to staff dailyHealthier Options Medical ClinicAn On-Site Medical Clinic could be located in our district at one of the schools so employees and their families could access for health care. The clinic would be staffed by a RN, Nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant who could prescribe medications . Most onsite clinics are at no cost to employees because the district picks up the Wellness coach (online/phone/in person)A personal Wellness coach, much like a personal trainer or instructional coach, is a person who helps support an individual s Wellness goals.

10 Wellness coaches can be onsite coaches where staff could make appointments and check in on their progress toward meeting their goals. The coach is a support person but also helps keep employees accountable to their goals. Some Wellness coaches are available offsite and communication is via phone, online, or through Program - Long Term Plan Starts in 2015-16 Completely voluntary Goal is to increase Employee engagement, morale and overall health and Wellness of our employees It s all about providing healthier options and resources, not about banning anything. Uses the resources we already have in the district and communitySummary Questions?