Based on a 2007 American Journal of Health Promotion article, “Manager Beliefs Regarding Worksite Health Promotion: Findings in the Working Healthy Project 2,” managers whatsoever levels in companies with existing corporate wellness programs rated the advantages of getting worker health promotion less than managers whose companies did not yet have such programs.
This really is unfortunate because managers, especially middle managers, are even more than permission givers who encourage employees to go to more classes. They may be valuable allies… or program saboteurs. Corporate wellness professionals must focus on these managers and cultivate a powerful working relationship. A supportive and engaged manager produces the conditions inside their work group to create and sustain changes in lifestyle.
Managers’ attitudes toward wellness generally fall under 1 of 5 groups:
1. Active enthusiasts
2. Passive enthusiasts
3. Neutral
4. Inactive opponents
5. Active opponents
Moving them up even 1 level toward as being a champion will reap huge benefits for that program.
Most managers are more likely to back the wellness program, but remain inactive in showing their support. By helping managers understand and get the skills to handle their responsibilities, they’ll feel at ease with their roles. At that time, once managers have significant possibilities to sign up which are inside their responsibilities, they’ll get the ball and gone with it.
Clearly construct the vision for that business wellness program. Explore the function wellness performed within the company’s past. Every company includes a unique history — how did employees pull together, overcome obstacles, which help each other to obtain the organization where it’s today? Presenting the wellness program vision to managers inside a historic context links it as to the the organization is all about.
For example, company safety programs possess a lengthy good reputation for keeping employees healthier through such initiatives as addressing alcohol, ergonomic, or lack of. Make reference to the successes from the safety program and make with that history. When the organization includes a longstanding dedication to as being a good corporate citizen inside the community, carry this history forward your clients’ needs worker overall health.
