Introduction
I just wrapped up teaching my first Work@Health™ Training course and I could not wait to share the success of all the graduates. I had 10 students across 6 different worksites in West Virginia and we all came together last Monday for our final in-person training celebration at Summersville Arena & Conference Center, which by the way, had wonderfully healthy food options and friendly, helpful staff. The day could not have been better; okay, maybe the weather could have been a little sunnier, but it was in the 50s and snow-free in December, so I’ll take it.
Successes
I would definitely consider showing over 700 West Virginians that their employers care about their mental and physical health a WIN.
Additional success belongs to Craig Bromley, the Prevention Policy Manager with the West Virginia Department of Health, who advances to Master Trainer with the completion of this cohort. The designation of Master Trainer means that Craig has trained at least five Work@Health™ Trainers, who have in turn gone on to train numerous employees in the CDC Work@Health™ program. Trainers training trainers is one of the core elements of the Work@Health™ program. There are only three individuals across the nation that have reached Master Trainer status; Craig is now number four. West Virginia is now the only state with TWO Master Trainers. Way to go, Craig!
Work@Health™
Let me take a moment to back-up a little, in case you’re scratching your head right now. Work@Health™ is a CDC program that “trains U.S. employers on how to establish and improve science-backed health promotion strategies.” Basically, the program teaches you how to get a workplace wellness program going at your worksite, step up your existing program, and sustaining the wellness program through the years.
This six-week hybrid program is composed of eight lessons, six of which are online and the final two are taught live, during a one-day in-person session. The core curriculum includes training on:
1. Making the Business Care
2. Assessing the Worksite
3. Building Leadership Support
4. Developing Policy, Benefit, and Environmental Supports
5. Designing Effective Communications
6. Evaluating the Program
7. Planning and Designing the Program
8. Implementing and Sustaining the Program
I know, it sounds like a lot, and it is, but I’m here with you the whole time. There’s a private portal, discussion boards, constant communication and check-ins. And even once the program is over, Active Southern West Virginia is still here for you, providing moral support, technical support, and funding support, in the form of our Capacity Building Grant, a $1,500 infusion to assist in starting or maintaining your workplace wellness program.
I have really learned so much and I appreciate your help and guidance.
Jenny Keener, Heart + Hand Outreach Ministries
Benefit to Employer
So you’re excited and ready, but you’re not sure that your employer is excited or ready. Why should your employer allow you “on-the-clock” time to take the training? Why would your employer want to focus on workplace wellness?
Here’s why.
Employers that focus on workplace wellness:
- Show their employees they value them (beyond just what they can do for the company).
- Boost workplace moral.
- Decrease absenteeism.
- Save on health insurance costs.
- Gain a reputation as a great place to work.
With over 80% of job seekers now factoring in companies’ health and wellness programs into their job search, employers can’t afford to sleep on a workplace wellness program.
Additionally, once an employee completes the Work@Health™ Training program, the employer will now have someone on staff who is able to:
- Complete health and safety assessments of your organization.
- Develop health intervention plans.
- Assess and evaluate participant progress.
- Provide technical assistance and resources.
- Apply for Active SWV’s Capacity Building Grant.
Not too shabby for your employer or organization.
Conclusion
In closing, we will spend roughly 1/3 of our lives at work, don’t we deserve to take care of ourselves at our place of work too. We want health and wellness baked into your worksite, so that making the healthier choice is the easier choice. We can help with that!
Thanks for hanging out and taking the time to read this article. I hope you’ll consider joining the movement of health and wellness at your workplace.
Stay Active!
Kelly Fox
Workplace Wellness Director
Active Southern West Virginia
