WELCOA’s founder, William Kizer, Sr. had a vision for the health of our nation. His vision was to establish a national resource that could easily be accessed by organizations of all types including large corporations, healthcare agencies, government organizations, small businesses, and institutes of higher learning. When William Kizer, Sr., Dr. Louis Sullivan, and Warren…
Setting the 2019 WELCOA Summit stage in historic Philadelphia this year means loads of fun sights to see! Checkout our Top 10, Fun Philly Facts that you could experience at this year’s conference. Stay Connected Welcome Reception: Hosted by HealthAdvocate — August 26 at 5:00pm Join us on the Regency Foyer for a free drink…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Can I legally incentivize employees to not use products like tobacco, alcohol or marijuana as part of my workplace wellness program? That may be a…
Organizations are powered by the teams behind them: the employees who keep the operation moving, growing and evolving. An investment in the health and well-being of your people is an investment in the health of your business. A growing number of leading organizations are putting this wisdom into practice and realizing the returns. Take for…
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The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. In its Spring 2019 publication, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) revised its timetable to issue proposed rules regarding wellness incentives under the Americans with…
Reilly Brings 20 Years of Corporate Well-Being Consulting to WELCOA OMAHA, Neb. — The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), a non-profit organization and resource for workplace wellness, announced the appointment of a new director to its Board. “WELCOA is always searching for new talent who can speak to the consultant and broker world as well…
The wellbeing industry is in the midst of a significant evolution. Many wellbeing professionals are thinking differently about health, human nature and behavior change – and doing their best to figure out how to apply this new thinking to increase the impact they can have on the lives of those they serve. As this transformation…
Comprehensive wellness programs embrace mind, body, spirit, and the environment. Wellness is, by its very nature, a holistic concept that helps people thrive when it is put into operation. A key component of comprehensive wellness programs and health promotion initiatives is the way they help individuals to succeed at improving their health and wellbeing. It…
WELCOA’s quick guide to surviving the heat and getting the most out of your summer. The summer is a wonderful time of year to plan lots of outdoor activities. Simply take care of yourself and have safe fun in the sun! Sarah’s Summer Health Tips Stay Hydrated Keep a reusable, BPA-free water bottle filled, and…
In these training opportunities, explore tools and tips to help you navigate the road to workplace wellness practice implementation that incorporates secret weapons to get your ideas off the ground. It’s easy to participate in WELCOA’s Institute for Wellness Studies courses. You’ll receive top notch information to help you engage employees, stay current on emerging…
With long hours and lurking deadlines, burnout can seem like the inevitable consequence to the demands of the workplace. But there are things that organizations can do, by working to enhance how employees are managed by leaders, to prevent the inevitable burnout. It is possible to create a workplace that allows employees to experience less…
WELCOA’s assessment-based certificate program is meant to help wellness professionals build skill, education, and recognition in worksite wellness. Annually, WELCOA provides up to 12 brand new webinars and certifications to add to their library of over 40 trainings on the Institute for Wellness Studies. The break down below provides a broad overview of the benefits…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Many employers engage the services of a health coach as part of their workplace wellness program. The main goal of a health coach should be…
At this time, there is an urgent need for workplaces to effectively address mental health and suicidal crises. They are complex issues and involve a variety of factors. Try these strategies to become more informed and spread awareness during Mental Health Month in May. Develop proactive strategic plans that address mental health and suicide prevention…
WELCOA’s Evolved Benchmarks to Bridge the Application Gap Evolving the 7 Benchmarks content that informed WELCOA’s Well Workplace Process was our very first priority and where the process for the evolution began. Back in 2015 when we kicked off this part of the project, it was clear that our core tools: the Well Workplace Checklist…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in March 2016, 54% of civilian workers had access to employee assistance programs, or “EAPs.” Only 41% of…
Celebrate Humor Month. You’ve heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” While utilized as a common phrase, there are actually many health benefits from improved mental wellbeing to increased productivity and stress relief. Encourage your employees to try these tips and tricks this month to celebrate National Humor Month. Science of Laughter. So let’s…
Whether you sit down, stand up, or do both at work, you are bound to have some experience with back pain. Even if your job does not include heavy lifting or other manual labor, the stress of your job could also lead to back pain. Your back pain could be stabbing, dull and nagging, or somewhere…
Crunchy Romaine and Sweet Corn Salad with Cilantro-Honey Dressing Tons of crunch and tons of flavor in the awesome salad. Ingredients Salad 2 romaine hearts, chopped 5 radishes, thinly sliced 1 small can shoepeg corn, drained and rinsed (use fresh raw corn off the cob in the summer!) 1/2 pint of grape tomatoes, halved 1/4…
Creating Your Destiny Through Connection One rainy day in Baltimore, a shy, little girl sat down in front of a glaring television screen to eat her breakfast. A powerful African-American woman commanded the stage with a beaming smile and waved to the crowd. As the woman interviewed guests and shared her personal story with the…
Four Actions Employers Can Take to Get Employees Moving To better tap into the physical activity landscape among corporate America, The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) along with Validic, a healthcare technology company, commissioned a nationwide survey, Increasing Employee Physical Activity at Work which surveyed both employers and employees. For employers that are interested in ensuring…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. I recently received a question regarding a proposed fitness activity for a workplace wellness program. The very astute wellness professional called me to ask whether…
Communicating With Purpose and Power Health and wellness professionals often face an uphill battle when attempting to shift the conversation around wellness. How do we encourage our leadership, employees, and other important stakeholders to embrace wellness — personally and professionally? Understanding the key drivers of your organization’s overall goals will help you better communicate the…
With an emphasis on helping you create a culture of health and wellness at your workplace, the upcoming trainings offered through WELCOA’s Institute for Wellness Studies will guide and educate you on emerging and important topics in the field. Each quarter, receive access to two webinars and one certification course as part of your WELCOA…
Whole body wellness is a combination of many things. It is healthy eating, moderate daily exercise, well-visits to your physicians and dentists, and a healthy mental outlook. Oral health is often overlooked but plays a huge role in the overall wellness puzzle. Oral health is related not only to checking for cavities on a quick…
Four Corporate Health Promotion Professionals Share Their Strategies for Addressing Stress at Work While some workplace stress is normal, continued and excessive stress interferes with productivity and negatively impacts the well being of employees. But you are not powerless. Find ways to manage workplace stress, and focus on the things that are always in your…
Meeting people in the field who understand the trials and tribulations you face as a health promotion professional can be difficult. So where do you go to find the best workplace wellness tips, ideas, and strategies? Here are four ways you can begin to connect with wellness professionals, just like you! Local Councils and Affiliates…
Workplace wellness programs are at the heart of top performing organizations in the United States. Companies with a successful workplace wellness program recruit top talent, retain tenured employees, and overall have happier, healthier, and higher performing teams. But how do we engage our employees in wellness? These seven steps will help your program get a…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Sometimes people want to change their behavior, and sometimes they don’t. The willingness to adopt healthier habits can ebb and flow throughout the year. Employee…
As corporate wellness professionals, many of us view the planning phases of our programs as the most difficult and unpleasant parts of our jobs. How do I plan a meaningful wellness initiative to achieve what I want to achieve? What should my goals be? How do I improve my existing wellness program? If you struggle…
The state of workplace wellness is evolving…or is it? With the WELCOA Benchmarks evolving, the industry migrating away from incentives and weight loss contests, and studies that question the return on wellness, you may feel pressure to do something differently. Then you go back to your job and reality sets in. Employees ask you how…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. In the December 20, 2018 Federal Register, the EEOC specifies which sections of the wellness rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Genetic…
High performing professionals are constantly on the go sometimes working well into the evening and even on weekends. Furthermore, many high-performing professionals rarely take a vacation. Even when we love our job there are times in which we start to get burned out from stress. Here are some important tips for reducing the stress. Expect…
“If I can change, you can change. Everybody can change!” — Rocky Balboa The classic film Rocky was shot near the location of our 2019 Summit in Philadelphia. These words are a great reminder of why we come together each year to learn from each other and affect change in the industry, our own lives and the lives…
Stay Well Balanced™ with Mindful Eating WELCOA’s Well Balanced newsletter sources holistic wellness content from various experts around the country. Each month we provide science-backed, hype-free content with information that’s most helpful and important to your organization’s culture. Centered on helping readers thrive in work and life, each issue contains: A feature article relevant to the time…
2018 was a formative year for all of us in the wellness industry, and WELCOA owes each of you our gratitude. We set out to listen to the needs of wellness professionals in our membership and across the industry and learn from leading wellness research. Then we announced this past March that, as the world…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. People are asking me this question a lot lately. The thought behind this question is this: because there will no longer be a maximum incentive…
Poor Sleep and the Workplace: What You Need to Know Over one third of U.S. adults have sleep issues, costing employers over 1.2 million working days and $411 billion annually. Here’s how you can help. The Critical Role of Sleep in Wellness No matter which “Pillars of Health” model you look at, sleep is recognized…
The Value of Continuing Education Learning something new not only helps the brain function more effectively but improves focus, overall confidence, and self-esteem. As wellness practitioners it is important to stay current on the trends of the industry and the legal climate to keep our employees informed with the latest health information. While some pursue…
Data analytics has emerged and grown as a critical tool throughout the healthcare industry, and workplace health and benefits are no different. As workplace well-being programs continue to evolve, data analytics plays a key role in both shaping program development and engaging employees in taking steps toward better health. Data can be used to determine…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. On October 17, 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued notice RIN 3046-AB10 and RIN 3046-AB11 indicating its timetable for promulgating proposed rules under…
“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”– William Arthur Ward At Tribute.co we make it easy to create a video montage of a group of people sharing their love and gratitude for someone they care about on any special occasion. We’ve delivered more than 100,000 Tributes and…
Better relationships and communication produces better outcomes. According to a 2016 Gallup poll, companies with better relationships and communication experience 20% higher productivity, 21% higher profitability, and 41% lower absenteeism. Thanks to these types of polls, employers are able to see the return on investment of better workplace conversations much more clearly. Companies are starting…
Deck your halls with our brochures. It’s the WELCOA Year End Sale! Books will make you feel secure. It’s the WELCOA Year End Sale! Perfect for your lounge or office. It’s the WELCOA Year End Sale! Your employees will be feeling wondrous. It’s the WELCOA Year End Sale! Fill your employees’, or customers’, stockings with…
November is National Diabetes Month, a time to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans. The workplace can be a perfect place to provide awareness, education and intervention for prediabetes and diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 100 million U.S. adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes. That’s almost 1…
Contributed by: Heather Hanson Wickman, Ph.D. of Untethered Consulting I know, no one wants to hear it, but sometimes the truth hurts. What if your greatest lever to increase wellness in your team and organization is… YOU? You’re likely thinking to yourself, but how could I really make that big of a difference? You have…
If there’s one thing that almost all of us have in common, it’s a sweet tooth. And because life is for living, it would be unrealistic to expect any of us to completely forgo sweets…especially during the Halloween season! Thankfully, recent research supports that you don’t have to. There is a sweet that you can…
Contributed by: Heather Gavras on behalf of the American Heart Association. Ninety-nine percent of the U.S. adult population has at least one of seven cardiovascular health risks. The combination of these risk factors increases employer medical spending by more than 200 percent per person annually. Improved heart health benefits both employees and employers. Healthy, engaged…
While our favorite things might not be as elaborate or entertaining as Oprah’s, we think they’ll make your holiday season a little brighter (and healthier) at work. Browse our top seven resources from each of WELCOA’s Seven Benchmarks™ to start your wellness approach off right for 2019. Cozy up with the Benchmark Bundle WELCOA’s Seven…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. The language you use in your workplace wellness program materials is important. I see a lot of workplace wellness messages that use the word “mandatory”…
Companies nationally struggle with participation in wellness programs. Only 24% of employees in organizations who offer a wellness program actually participate in it.1 What’s worse? Less than half of employees in the United States feel their work environment allowed them to maintain good health.2 Research by the Harvard Business Review found the top reasons employees…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which highlights a very serious and traumatic illness that affects thousands of women each year. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States (aside from skin cancer). As with most cancers, there is no singular cause for breast cancer, but rather a variety…
“To carry each other is not a burden at all, but a kind of privilege.” –Bono Most of us are overwhelmed, exhausted, and running on caffeine and refined carbs. Those of us with mental illness often feel like we are drowning and no one can see us. We say “yes” when really want to say…
Contributed by: Rosie Ward, Ph.D., MPH, MCHES, BCC, CEO of Salveo Partners, LLC As a leader in the wellness industry for over 20 years, I’ve experienced a wide-variety of approaches from forward-thinking companies investing in employee wellness as the right-thing-to-do to companies needing to prove that wellness results in a successful return on investment and could…
Contributed by: Heath Shackleford on behalf of CHC Wellbeing If you work in the wellness industry, I’d like you to consider yourself part of a “helping profession.” Just like nurses, teachers, counselors, first responders or nonprofit leaders, you come to the office every day with the overall mission of helping those in need. Having a…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. On August 28, 2018, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued an opinion letter regarding whether the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires an employer…
America’s cholesterol levels are too high making us at risk for heart attacks and strokes. It’s expensive. And it’s almost entirely preventable. We likely all know someone who has suffered from a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States.1 Annually, it costs approximately 200 billion dollars.2 The single most potent…
The 2018 WELCOA Summit came to a close over the weekend and the entire team at WELCOA is so grateful for humans like you who inspire us to continue to forge a path for wellness at work. We experienced inspiring presentations from 30 industry experts and felt the love from over 450 leaders in health…
Americans are more aware than ever of every facet of their personal fitness and wellness. Few among us have escaped a bombardment of messages about new ways to change up our diet, exercise routine and lifestyle to positively impact our health and well-being. Even employers have gotten into the act as they now know a…
WELCOA is excited to announce the following trainings for the 2018 4th quarter: October Creating Movements of Change that Optimize Opportunity for Behavior Change and Positively Impact Culture Maggie Gough, Wellness Revolutionist and President, Realize Wellbeing [ LIVE WEBINAR ]* November Mindful Healthcare: Healthy Team, Healthy Business Scott Kashman and Christin Collins, Lee Health [ INSTITUTE CERTIFICATION COURSE…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Many in the workplace wellness industry are aware of the benefits of wellness services such as acupuncture, chiropractic, physical or exercise therapy, yoga and others…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. There is a misconception held by some in the workplace wellness industry that if their wellness program is subject to and complies with the Affordable…
Summer is in full swing and our thoughts are turning to warmer weather, short sleeves and outside activities. But there’s something important everyone should learn about so that they can truly enjoy the sunny weather in a healthy way: Apply Cover Enjoy™. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer…
The Evolution of WELCOA’s Well Workplace Process sets the bar for exciting new Trends in the Wellness Industry. Omaha, Nebraska (June 27, 2018) — For the last three years the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) has been exploring the real challenges their members were facing. Through quantitative research, focus groups and an advisory council of…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. The premise behind the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union (EU) is to ensure that natural persons have rights with regard to…
Take a seat and think back to the last time you sat down for a big game or TV show in your favorite chair. As you begin to snuggle in you notice something a little different with this particular chair. You lift your left arm and underneath it you find a mini refrigerator stocked with…
Change is a good thing. Starting July 2018, we’re saying “so-long” to the Spark16 newsletter design and making way for a new, more-dynamic wellness publication tailored exclusively for the needs of your employees. Whether your aim is to educate employees about wellness or to partner with your clients in new meaningful ways, we’ve got you…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Many employers with mid-year plans (i.e., plans that start on July 1 each year and end on June 30th of the next year) may be…
This year’s Summit is all about YOU—and the humans you serve. We’re ready to share exclusive access to our exciting new tools that’ll make a difference in your organization’s future. And while we’re focusing on the humans behind the numbers—here are 8 other reasons you should attend the 2018 WELCOA Summit this August. 1 |…
The key to creating thriving organizations. At WELCOA, we believe that healthy, happy employees are the key to creating thriving organizations. We believe that organizations that prioritize the wellness of their people should be recognized and celebrated. Part of the important work of positioning wellness front and center is being clear about what we mean…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. On March 30, 2018, the EEOC filed its much anticipated update in the AARP v. EEOC case (“AARP case”). The court in that case asked…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Even though the AARP v. EEOC case rejected the incentive limits under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act…
The second generation of WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks. Our industry has an engagement problem. Only 24% of employees in organizations who offer a wellness program actually participate in it.1 We have all begun to face the fact that no one wants to consume the programmatic approach to wellness that our industry has historically offered. WELCOA has partnered…
We tend to over-rely on goal setting, motivation, discipline and willpower to create change in our lives. It’s likely that we’ve all experienced how goal setting can be tricky, motivation is fleeting, discipline makes change feel like work, and willpower is easily zapped. We need more than measureable goals and inspiration to get the job…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. On January 18, 2018, the court in the AARP v. EEOC case agreed with the EEOC’s argument that the EEOC should not be held to…
March is National Nutrition Month. Food is often the cultural glue that brings people together for celebrations, holidays, mourning or just special family time. Our taste for food is one of the strongest senses that brings us back to our childhood or invokes a special memory from our past. Yet, as familiar as we are…
Sometimes the weight of the world lives on our shoulders. Every day millions of employees brave trains, planes, bikes, automobiles, traffic and concrete jungles to get to work. This daily ritual can be an uplifting time for reflection and preparation as we imagine future opportunities, anticipate an upcoming vacation or reflect on a special friend…
Growing up in South Africa, I began smoking at the young age of 6, even though I knew it was terrible for my health. I continued smoking through high school, knowing that it was bad for me. I smoked during college, while becoming an actuary, fully aware that smoking kills. While running NMG, a health…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. The #MeToo movement has boosted attention on the civil rights violation of sexual harassment. However, there is a difference between the conduct making headlines and…
Eliminating stress at work as an organization isn’t feasible, but that doesn’t mean that your company shouldn’t be invested in stress management. Below, we cover why stress management is so important in the workplace and how it will benefit your organization. Understanding the Effects of Stress on Employees Before considering the impact that stressed employees…
It’s been a blessing for me to interview leaders from all walks of life who strive to bring out the highest and best in people and situations. These leaders do not claim to be perfect – not by a long shot – yet they share a deep commitment to evolve our priorities from income alone…
Brain Breakthroughs for a Better You Have you ever found yourself coming home from a stressful day at work and mindlessly eating an entire bag of chips? How about cracking a beer immediately after work to “come down” from the happenings of the day? Whatever coping method you’re using to solve your problems, they’re likely…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. One of the more confusing areas of employee wellness programs, especially those programs that gather employee (and family member) health data, is who can see…
Healthy Holiday Nutrition With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas fast approaching many people may be stressed out about their unhealthy holiday eating and lack of physical activity. In fact some are likely already contemplating their New Year’s resolutions to “get back on track” with an extremely strict diet and a new gym membership. This is…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. When we think of the holidays, what word comes to mind? For many, it may be “stress.” This time of year places additional duties and…
For many people, November marks the beginning of the holiday season. Not only is this a time to gather with friends and family, it is also a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for in life. Luckily, practicing gratitude is one of the most effective ways to be happier and…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Envision this scenario: Employer hires a vendor to offer flu shots to all employees. Employees write their name on a list that all other employees…
Whether you already have a strong workplace culture and are simply looking for ways to make it even better, or you’ve identified issues and are trying to find ways to change your company culture, the ideas below can help you achieve your goals. 1. Be Intentional About Company Culture Every workplace has a culture. Some…
Although we can go into each day hoping that everything will go smoothly, human suffering is inevitable. So instead of wishing that bad things would never happen, it is imperative that people learn how to be resilient through life’s challenges, especially when it comes to work. Polls suggest that over 40% of American workers find…
A strong company culture can attract top talent, improve employee retention, and more. It’s no wonder why businesses are looking for ways to improve their company cultures. Most importantly, though, company culture can result in a more productive work environment in which a company and all of its employees are working cohesively toward the same…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. The inactivity in legal suits for workplace wellness didn’t last long. After the three lawsuits brought by the EEOC a couple of years ago settled…
Whether your dreams are about professional success, deeper connection, purpose in life or spiritual fulfillment, its likely you desire them because you believe they will ultimately increase your happiness. But scientists are discovering the pathway to positivity takes a different route. One that is less dependent on reaching our life goals, and instead focuses more…
The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. You may have heard me say repeatedly that securing and maintaining the privacy of any employee health information wellness program professionals collect should be a…
Photo: Luca (left) and Elliott (right) Picarella sport 2017 Summit badges. One year ago my little ladies were both in the NICU after an early and abrupt welcome into the world. I have never been more scared in all my life. What was supposed to be a quick check-in with the doctor, turned into a…
Here are the seven critical shifts needed in order for employee wellness/wellbeing efforts to have a positive and sustainable impact on your organization and its people. 1. Stop Treating Adaptive Challenges like Technical Problems. As human beings, we face two main types of challenges: technical and adaptive. Technical challenges are those challenges that have a…
Employee burnout seems to be a popular new buzz-term in the world of corporate wellness. Perhaps it stems from our connectedness to work through technology or our desire to be the best, burnout seems to be on the rise prompting researchers, practitioners and employers to begin taking action. As a nation, we are just beginning…
Dr. Jon Robison at salveopartners.com Autonomy is defined in the dictionary as: “Independence or freedom, as of the will or one’s actions” And though we often think of the “freedom” to act or the notion of “free will” from political or spiritual perspectives, some biologists now believe that it is an underlying and inalienable condition of life. “The…
Have you ever asked yourself “Is this really my life?” Whether this is a rhetorical question, a reflective thought or, in my case, a humorous cry of frustration, I challenge you to start listening to that voice in your head and explore the possibilities. What New Year’s resolution do you proclaim is important? As you…
The brightest mind in brain health, Dr. Daniel Amen, a man the Washington Post deemed “the most popular psychiatrist in America,” is making a special appearance to deliver a keynote at the upcoming WELCOA Summit. His world renowned research has been featured in Newsweek, Time, Huffington Post, ABC World News, 20/20, BBC, London Telegraph, Parade Magazine,…
Want more WELCOA Resources on corporate wellness compliance law? RSVP for Barbara Zabawa’s Preconference course Mastering Workplace Wellness Rules at the WELCOA Summit. The following article does NOT constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. It is for educational purposes only. Readers should retain legal counsel to obtain definitive answers. Companies that embrace workplace…
Can love affect our health? Answering this question is no small undertaking, but one longitudinal study underway today has managed to do just that. This remarkable multi-million medical study started in 1939 at Harvard Medical School with 724 men in their twenties. These participants agreed to grant the researchers access to their medical records, give blood…
For the past 5 or 10 years the word superfood has been coined to describe foods promising to deliver incredible health benefits when consumed regularly. From kale smoothies to blueberry acai bowls, the superfood idea has been exploited in every media channel and sensationalized in every health magazine to date. Unfortunately, despite the notable health…
by Rosie Ward & Jon Robison of Salveo Partners. See Rosie & Jon at the 2017 WELCOA Summit In his best-selling book, Start With WHY, Simon Sinek states that great leaders are able to inspire people to act by providing a sense of purpose or belonging; they create a following of people who act for…
WELCOA is excited to announce the winners of the 2nd annual On the Move Company Challenge. Eighty-four companies representing more than 85,000 employees competed in a 12-week challenge to move more, sit less and thrive in work and life. The Leaderboard tracked activity in real time as companies competed in large and small business categories…
Want more WELCOA Resources on corporate wellness compliance law? RSVP for Barbara Zabawa’s Preconference course Mastering Workplace Wellness Rules at the WELCOA Summit. The number of wellness professionals in today’s marketplace is as varied as the types of wellness programs and activities employers use to encourage employees to live healthy lives. These professionals may include health educators,…
Want more WELCOA Resources on creating great wellness teams? Navigate our best wellness team resources using this graphic. It can be life altering for people as they start to embrace the things they need to cultivate in an effort to let go of the things that stand in their way of well-being. What’s more, when…
Want more WELCOA Resources on corporate wellness compliance law? RSVP for Barbara Zabawa’s Preconference course Mastering Workplace Wellness Rules at the WELCOA Summit. There have been questions lately about completion of incentivized wellness activities “off the clock” and what, if any, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) issues might arise. One sample question is whether a participatory biometric…
What do the wellness programs of the future look like – are they even programs at all or are they something different? What have we learned by doing the great work we have done to date, and how will those learnings shape the future of wellness? We all have a stake and serious role in…
In our industry, we love to tout the benefits of a healthy workplace. And we should – because if we didn’t believe it, we wouldn’t be very good at our work. We use words like engagement, productivity, innovation, and on and on. For most of us, or at least for me, in the beginning of…
With all the concern about complying with various workplace wellness laws, it would be useful to know what is at stake if a company fails to comply. In a nutshell, monetary penalties from the government and lawsuits await workplace wellness programs that are found to be noncompliant with the law. Numerous federal laws and regulations…
For many wellness vendors, a key component of a corporate wellness program is client reporting and evaluation of the program. A legal question often tied up in that reporting component is what individual employee health information, if any, can the vendor provide to the employer client? HIPAA privacy and security rules do not always apply…
We all have basic needs such as food, water and shelter that must be satisfied in order to survive and progress to higher level growth needs like relationships. Psychologist Abraham Maslow famously framed this concept in his five stage model titled Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. If you find yourself reading this, suffice to say that…
Few people enjoy reading or talking about tax issues, but they do arise in workplace wellness programs, particularly when those programs offer incentives. If your wellness program offers cash or cash equivalent incentives (such as gift cards), premium reimbursements or other incentives, this blog post is for you. Generally speaking, expenses for “medical care” are…
WELCOA is excited to introduce the Financial Wellness @ Work Employee Video Training Series. Expanding on WELCOA’s top-selling Financial Wellness @ Work book, which has helped thousands of employees achieve financial well-being, the educational video training series leverages the same pragmatic and realistic approach. Employers are increasingly looking for scalable financial education solutions for their employees.…
How long do your New Year’s resolutions last? If you are with the majority of Americans, your good intentions to lose a few holiday pounds and get healthy at the beginning of the New Year take a back burner as soon as life starts to get busy. “As a former weight management dietitian I noticed…
I get this question very often, and the answer is, “it depends.” Specifically, it depends on whether the wellness program is part of an employer’s group health plan, or if it is a stand-alone program offered directly by the employer. Many providers of wellness services contract with group health plans as well as employers directly,…
One of the greatest pieces of advice that my mother has ever given me was that “Life is all about perspective.” My mother has been my biggest role model and although she grew up in the home of an alcoholic, lost her birth mother at the age of 4, and sometimes didn’t have much food…
I wake up every day and am incredibly grateful that my career and the company I work for has one sole purpose – to help improve the lives of all working people. In fact, our vison at WELCOA is to “Be a transformative force that improves the health and well-being of all working people.” To…
Regardless of your politics, you may wonder what happens next for wellness initiatives under new leadership. Professor Tim Jost wrote a very helpful blog post on the possible fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although no one at this point knows what avenues the new administration might take regarding the ACA, change is almost…
On Saturday November 5th, my friend, colleague and well known health promotion professional, Bill Baun, departed this world. Bill had been thriving for years as he battled cancer, in fact just days before his passing was busy planning his next efforts to help improve the lives of others. Years ago, as a new leader in…
When it comes to health behaviors, the wellness industry is quite familiar with the concept of levels of risk. Some people, despite knowing about the safer health choices, choose riskier health behaviors. They may choose to smoke, eat fatty foods, to not exercise, or to manage stress in self-destructive ways. Those choices are not necessarily…
WELCOA is happy to announce our results from the 2016 national On the Move Challenge. The program was designed to engage employees in physical activity, help better manage their stress levels and promote long-term behavior changes. Eighty-four companies representing almost 80,000 employees participated in this 12-week online challenge spanning from April to June of this year. The challenge…
In our national initiative to provide training to employees on how to physically and mentally thrive, we have been exploring the mind-body connection. How does moving physically help move us in other areas of our lives? As Dr. Daniel Amen told us in a recent WELCOA Expert Interview (publishing later this month), “It is the…
What do health and happiness have in common? If you asked me this question prior to July 5th my answer would have been everything. Today my answer is a bit different. July 5th, 2016 my world changed drastically as my two daughters Elliott and Luca were born at 31 weeks, much sooner than my wife,…
At WELCOA, we thought August would be a great month to tackle the concept of happiness—especially as it relates to health. On the Move, our online platform that helps employees thrive through physical activity, is focusing on happy moves all month, and we just published an exciting certification opportunity about the power of positive psychology.…
“Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” -Pablo Picasso Margin, specifically solitude, is the ability to step off the treadmill of life and just be. We as professionals rarely create the space we need to experience margin and solitude in our lives—and we might be missing out on tapping into our true genius when…
When WELCOA rolled out our new brand back in April, we were driven by the idea that the wellness industry needed to address employee wellbeing from a more holistic perspective, and we wanted to project that in our new look and feel. We as an industry have been throwing “holistic” around a lot lately though,…
Have you ever had something that was so much on your heart to say that you were almost afraid of it? That was the question I began with as I addressed the four hundred attendees of WELCOA’s annual Summit this year in Orlando knowing that I had just thrown out my whole talk a week…
(Photo by Ryan Picarella) What really determines good health? Can we truly be happy and reach well-being if we hate our jobs? If we are going through a divorce? If we are stretched too thin because of the demands of being caretakers for children or aging parents or both!? If we have a terrible boss?…
Last week in Orlando, hundreds of health promotional professionals gathered for an incredible two days together. It’s hard to believe just last week we were sharing stories, cutting-edge research and new ways to connect those we serve with a sense of purpose for better health. A huge thank-you to all who attended. The energy and passion…
It’s a new day for WELCOA and an exciting milestone in our 30-year history. For three decades WELCOA has had the great privilege of working with some of the best organizations around the globe. We are humbled that you have allowed us to be a catalyst in shaping the health promotion industry over the years.…
Dr. Michelle Segar discusses incentives and penalties for long term behavior change. Do employees think they are meaningful? What should we do instead? This exclusive video first aired at the 2015 WELCOA National Training Summit. All New Webinar: Rebranding Health as Well-Being A science-based story about creating sustainable behavior change. Instructor: Michelle Segar WELCOA Members:…
5 things you need to know about Alexandra Drane: Alexandra Drane is the Chief Visionary Officer of Eliza Corporation, a pioneer and recognized leader in Health Engagement Management, blending technology, communication expertise and data analytics to drive healthy behavior change. She’s founded four companies, sits on the Board of Advisors of TEDMED, was named one…
