Managing Corporate Wellness Program resources
To effectively manage your Corporate Wellness Program resources, first determine the resources you need and the resources you have. Then develop a plan to fill the resource gaps.
What Corporate Wellness Program resources do you need?
• Make a list of employees, materials, equipment, space, and logistical support.
• Be as specific as possible.
• Include partnerships that will be needed to make the Corporate Wellness Program happen.
Identify available Corporate Wellness Program resources.
• Use materials that exist or are already on hand. Resist the temptation to start from scratch!
• Determine what other departments already have.
• Contact DHPW/HPPI to find out what other installations have done.
• Know where to borrow or get free materials.
• Use local or internal resources whenever possible.
• Look for opportunities to cut and/or share costs.
Develop a strategy to fill Corporate Wellness Program resource gaps.
• Partner with as many employees and employers as you can. Emphasize what’s in it for them.
o Example: use a Physical Therapist to teach a back health class.
• Make use of community organizations and coalitions.
• Use volunteers as often as possible.
o Red Cross volunteers, medical interns or nursing students can supplement your manpower.
Former Corporate Wellness Program members make good guest presenters.
• Keep a list of subject matter experts who will provide input for free so you can avoid the expense of an outside contractor or consultant.
Look for innovative Corporate Wellness Program opportunities.
• Other funding opportunities may exist at your facility.
o Example: if there is a book fair, see if you can apply to receive some of the proceeds.
• Ask the unit to contribute resources to Corporate Wellness Programs directly implemented at the unit level.
• Get to know the contracting person at your installation. They often know the least expensive places to obtain many different kinds of materials.
• Look for “recycling” possibilities.
o Example: IMD may be able to give you old computer workstations for use with electronic health assessments.
Good communication will help you find more partners and volunteers.
• Get the word out to the community about your Corporate Wellness Programs.
• Describe what you are doing and how you are doing it.
• Presentation is everything. Keep information current and use lots of visual aids.
All Corporate Wellness Programs require resources. Some resources you will already have. Some resources you will have to find. Sometimes you will have to make something out of very little. Smart strategies can maximize your Wellness resources.
