Countdown to National Employee Wellness Month

We are only two weeks away from the 4th Annual National Employee Wellness Month, a partnership between the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Virgin Healthmiles, Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance and WorldatWork that aims to raise awareness about workplace environments and the role

The workplace is where the majority of adults spend their waking hours, and yet, there is little focus on how companies can facilitate a healthier working environment. National Employee Wellness Month provides employers the opportunity tolearn from best practices of how companies across the U.S. are developing successful strategies around prevention and good health.

Chronic diseases (including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease) are the number one cause of death and rising healthcare costs, but many chronic diseases are preventable and manageable. Improving health in the workplace affects not only an individual employee’s health and productivity, but also lowers healthcare costs and creates a workplace culture of health. Some past initiatives have included swapping out unhealthy snacks for healthier options, encouraging employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator, and promoting any health and wellness programs you may already have in place.

Throughout June, participating organizations will promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles, and provide motivation and opportunities for employees to engage in a range of healthy lifestyle behaviors. To date, more than 130 U.S. organizations have pledged their support for National Employee Wellness Month, but it’s not to late to support and participate in this important initiative. For more information about National Employee Wellness Month or ideas on how your company can get involved please visit www.nationalemployeewellnessmonth.com.