Health Links (HL): Why is the health and wellness of your employees important to you?

Everist Materials (EM): Health and wellness is important for so many reasons. Not only do we want healthy employees for their own wellbeing, but having healthy employees is cost saving in many ways from health insurance premiums to having fewer worker’s comp claims. Healthy employees generally have a higher morale, which also leads to more productivity.

HL: What does your workplace wellness program look like?

EM: Right now our program is lacking structure. We have several benefits that fall in the category of worksite wellness, but are hoping to shape the program with the help of Health Links.

HL: How will you/do you know your program is successful?

EM: A successful worksite wellness program is one that the employees are aware of and the majority of employees are utilizing. 

HL: What obstacles did you have to overcome to get your program started? How did you overcome them?

EM: Our biggest obstacle here at Everist is finding something that will benefit the majority of the employees. We have several employees in several different locations and with different schedules.

HL: Do you incorporate safety along with your wellness program? If so, what does this look like?

EM: We have a safety committee with employees from different departments. Keeping our employees safe is definitely a part of wellness. 

HL: Does your wellness program help give back to your community?

EM: Yes. We’ve participated in events such as the Color Run and FNE (Forensic Nurse Examiner) 5k. We also extend many of our benefits, such as flu shots, to our employees’ families.

HL: What tip/advice would you give to a business that is considering starting a workplace wellness program?

EM: Figure out what your employees want out of a worksite wellness program.