The workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion and disease prevention programs. On average, Americans working full-time spend more than one-third of their day, five days per week at the workplace.

The use of effective workplace programs and policies can reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for American workers. To improve the health of their employees, businesses can create a wellness culture that is employee-centered; provides supportive environments where safety is ensured and health can emerge; and provides access and opportunities for their employees to engage in a variety of workplace health programs.

Worksite wellness programs strategies and initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of employees.  Examples of worksite wellness program components are:

• Health education classes – this can range from smoking cessation classes, nutrition and healthy eating classes, breathing and meditation classes
• Access to fitness facilities – these facilities can be made available at the employment site, can be discounted gym memberships
• Company policies that promote healthy behaviors, such as tobacco free campus policies
• Employee health insurance coverage for preventive health screenings
• A general healthy working environment - such as making healthy foods available and accessible through vending machines and cafeterias, encouraging use of the stairs instead of the elevators

Resources

CDC Workplace Health Promotion - https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/index.html

Tools & Resources - https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/index.html