The benefits of combining workplace wellness with community involvement.
By AWC staff
In addition to investing in recreation and wellness activities for residents, city halls across Washington are creating worksite wellness programs for their employees. It doesn’t just make sense; it often saves money.
Beyond the benefits to personal health, encouraging employee interactions through wellness programs and events strengthens relationships and allows for easier collaboration in the workplace. And when employees are healthier, they use less sick time, their overall healthcare claims costs decrease, and they are happier and more productive.
While myriad employee wellness activities are offered in Washington cities, these, in particular, have found unique ways to combine employee wellness and community involvement.
Biking
West Richland holds an annual wellness bike ride for city staff—including first-time riders—with a stop at a local coffee shop to build camaraderie and fun.
Gardening
In April, Lacey hosted an Earth Day event at a local library where city employees and residents gathered to exchange seeds, plant starts, and gardening tips.
Canopy tour
In Bainbridge Island, a local arborist recently led city staff on a guided walking tour, identifying trees and shrubs planted around city facilities, and teaching employees how to cultivate their own at home.
Softball
Medical Lake expanded an adult recreation softball league for city staff and residents at local parks to include a coed slow pitch softball team.
Tai chi
Algona’s wellness committee hosted a Tai Chi class to teach employees how to relieve stress through slow movement, while practicing mindfulness and improving mobility and flexibility.
Basketball
Issaquah hosted a series of basket-ball-themed rec center events, including free-throw and timed shooting contests to promote exercise and teambuilding.
Wellness programs and events strengthen relationships and allow for easier collaboration in the workplace.
For more information: AWC WellCity, wacities.org/wellness
Six keys to designing a worksite wellness program
AWC WellCity standards serve as guidelines for designing a workplace wellness program that has a positive impact on employee health and productivity. They are based on best practice models. To earn the WellCity distinction and a 2% discount on health insurance premiums, a city must complete all requirements.
1. Leadership
All levels of leadership support employee health by their words and actions.
2. Policy and environment
Adopt health-related policies and environmental supports to impact large groups of people and create a workplace that supports employee health.
3. Partnerships
Tap into the resources and influence of internal and external partners to extend the reach of wellness committee efforts.
4. Program activities
Plan wellness activities that are relevant to the employee population, reflect multiple dimensions of health, and provide opportunities to learn, experience, and practice healthy behaviors.
5. Engagement
Help employees move beyond simply participating in wellness activities to truly engaging in their health.
6. Assess, evaluate, and report
Assessment, evaluation, and reporting is the continuous improvement process in your wellness program.