What Is a Wellness Plan?

A wellness plan commonly refers to a policy implemented by an employer to encourage healthy lifestyles among its employees. Although the policy may be considered an added expense to the company, the beneficial return may more than counteract the cost. The success of the plan depends on how well it is organized, and the degree to which employees make use of it. Much of the plan will be voluntary, but there could be some incentives added to encourage participation.

Any wellness plan will look at the overall health benefits and problems within an organization. This will involve not only a careful review of claims, but also talking with employees, perhaps sending out a survey and talking with supervisors about common problems they see. This data can be collected and used to come up with solutions that combat problem areas, thus leading to an overall higher quality of life and health for the organization's workers.

The main benefit of a corporate wellness plan is in the area of production. Employees who are happy and healthy tend to miss less work, and perform better when they are at work. Thus, a successful plan may not only make the employee healthier, but also the company as a whole.

Though health club memberships, or on-site exercise facilities, are not a mandatory part of creating a good wellness plan, many companies choose to offer these benefits. These organization may sponsor an employee's health club membership to a certain amount, making it cheaper for the employee. Others will offer on-site exercise rooms for employees to use on their breaks, lunch hours, or before and after work.

Some organizations will even limit what is offered in company vending machines as part of a corporate wellness plan. Though the revenue may drop if candy bars and chips are not offered, this is considered an investment in the future. Replacing such items with healthier snack foods will also help encourage those who want to fully participate in the wellness plan. Small changes such as this will benefit employees who are trying to lose weight and employees who are trying to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Health detections and screenings can also be a part of an employee wellness plan. Screenings may be done very simply as surveys. Employees will answer health-related questions, either online, or by paper form, indicating their preferences and habits. Those are then assessed for certain risks and feedback is provided to the employee. Screenings, such as mobile stroke detection and blood pressure monitoring, can also be done, often right on site. This provides a very convenient option. Though there could be a cost to the employee, much of that may be picked up by the employer.

Companies that want to begin a health plan should check with their health plan insurance provider. Often, these organizations will have consultants on staff who can help devise a plan, simply because it also benefits them if there are fewer claims to process. If an insurance company does not offer that service, private consultants can also be contracted to help come up with a comprehensive solution.