The Affordable Care Act provides impetus for Extension efforts in worksite wellness. The study reported here examined the influence of two worksite wellness interventions, newsletters and individual counseling. Surveys examined dietary and physical activity behaviors of participants pre- and post-intervention (N = 157). Descriptive statistics,…

Two major influences are identified as spurs to the proliferation of worksite health promotion programs: the emergence of a prevention science base, and the work of corporate pioneers who developed programs which capitalized on research findings. (IAH)

Background: US schools employ an estimated 6.7 million workers and are thus an ideal setting for employee wellness programs. This article describes the characteristics of school employee wellness programs in the United States, including state-, district-, and school-level policies and programs. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and…

The Take Heart Project in 36 worksites sought changes in tobacco use, cholesterol, and fat intake. Employee steering committees selected brief, low-intensity health education and environmental change activities. The project is an effective way to tailor interventions to worksites, taking into account site and employee characteristics and previous…

Presents a matrix that suggests that workplace health promotion and employee assistance programs may represent employer involvement in areas over which they have no legitimate control. (JOW)

If developing a healthy workforce is critical to reining in the skyrocketing cost of health care, then why have so many attempts at preventive health or disease management fallen short? How can employers connect with employees to engage them in changing unhealthy habits or lifestyles? Duke University has launched an innovative new approach called…

In planning for the 1989-90 academic year, Hazard Community College's Employee Professional Development Committee recommended and gained approval for a wellness program that would assist all employees in reducing stress and becoming more physically fit. Similar to fitness programs in the business sector, the wellness program utilized community…

This guide is designed specifically to assist decision makers in business and industry, including chief executive officers, benefits managers, human resource directors, wellness coordinators, and owners of small businesses, in understanding how diet and nutrition affect employees and the company. It addresses the concerns of both small and large…

Efforts of corporations to limit or ban smoking in the workplace have been generally unsuccessful. This article reviews the most common antismoking programs, including education, counseling and incentives, and proscriptive rules and policies. A multidimensional, broad-based smoking cessation program is then described. (Author/TE)

In an effort to provide support for employees and their families, Red Deer College (RDC) developed the Resources, Employees, Assistance, Counselling, and Health (REACH) program. The program is administered by a committee of five people who represent the five major employee groups at the college (i.e., senior administration, middle administration,…

A wellness program is a formalized approach to preventive health care that can positively affect employee lifestyle and reduce future health-care costs. Describes programs for health education, smoking cessation, early detection, employee assistance, and fitness, citing industry success figures. (eight references) (MLF)

Reviews literature on worksite fitness and health promotion programs. Examines their impact on employees and the sponsoring organization. Discusses beneficial effects such as increased fitness, and reduction in health care costs, risk factors of heart disease, absenteeism, and turnover. Addresses issues related to participation rates, program…

This training guide is intended to increase the understanding and skills of Head Start managers and directors to: (1) identify the ways in which employee health affects the organization's effectiveness; (2) design training programs that encourage employees to improve their own health; (3) understand how the organization contributes to the overall…

A discussion of faculty development in colleges and universities examines the rationale for an expanded role for faculty development and reviews institutional structures and practices that support the personal and professional development of faculty, including faculty and academic development, employee assistance, and health promotion programs.…

Work-family conflict is a vocational psychology variable whose antecedents and outcomes have been extensively investigated. In contrast, less effort has been invested in creating practical programs to prevent and reduce it. This article provides the rationale and describes the framework for a comprehensive organizational program designed to ease…