LEAN Works! is HEAL's recommended resource for New Hampshire worksites interested in starting or a worksite health promotion program.
Why should I create a program?
Obesity and the health conditions associated with it; such as, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, and certain types of cancer are responsible for much of the increase in health care spending by employers. Obese persons spend 77% more money for necessary medications than non-obese persons.
Obesity affects more than health care costs, it also has a significant impact on worker productivity because the more chronic medical conditions an employee has, the higher the probability of absenteeism or presenteeism.
Organizations can benefit directly by improving employee health through an obesity prevention program. A survey of CEOs found that "healthier employees" is the number one reason why companies choose to implement health promotion programs. Additionally, well-designed programs have the potential to extend beyond the worksite and positively influence dependents (spouses and children), and thereby reduce an organization's health care costs.
Although it may seem that only large organizations can implement obesity prevention and control programs, organizations of all sizes have done so successfully. Many types of organizations, including those with few employees and resources, are implementing successful obesity prevention programs.
The 5 Stages:
The five stages of this CDC developed, web-based toolkit guide employees and employers through steps to plan, implement, and evaluate new or existing programs.
- Why: Why should I create a program?
- Plan: Where should I begin?
- Build: What program components and activities should I include?
- Promote: How do I maintain interest and motivation?
- Assess: Is my program working?
Learn more about:
More useful worksite wellness tools.
