Ideas for Implementing theSeven Dimensions of Wellness

Presented by Donna Martz & Annika Collins

The Seven Dimensions as defined at the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology

Intellectual Emotional Social Environmental Spiritual Vocational Physical

Studies have shown that for every dollar invested by employers in workplace health promotion/wellness programs, there were savings ranging from $1.49 to $4.91 with a median savings of $3.14

That's more than a 3:1 minimum return on investment

A thorough review of studies from the Health Promotion Practitioner Journal have found over a 25% reduction in sick leave, medical costs, and direct medical and worker’s compensation claims

Some companies have experienced as much as a 5:1 return on investment

These dimensions involve continuing education, training and other methods of intellectual pursuits and stimulation

Intellectual or vocational wellness might include ongoing training workshops with options in areas other than the employee’s designated job responsibility

Builds loyalty towards the company

Increases employee’s problem solving skills

Enhances employee camaraderie

Maintains certifications

FreeBook clubsAlternative language classesSpeakersPromote messages from national health

observances during the monthPost healthy tips on a bulletin boardPublish a wellness newsletter

CostPersonality testConferences/workshops for new skillsContinuing educationEncourage degree completionReimburse tuitionTechnology trainingEstablish a wellness resource center or

library books & DVDsPlan monthly educational sessions on the

national health observance that month

Defined as awareness and acceptance of a wide range of feelings within yourself and others

An emotionally well person understands their own personal limitations and knows how to seek support and assistance

An emotionally well person also knows how to effectively deal with stress

In a recent national poll, 78% of Americans described their jobs as stressful, and the majority felt that stress levels have become worse over the last 10 years

High levels of organizational stress can negatively affect a business by increasing injuries, absenteeism, and medical costs while decreasing productivity 

-North Carolina Health and Wellness, 2008

FreeAllowed stress breaksSecret friends/santasEmployee appreciation box/daysRequire micro-breaksAllow for flex time

CostEmployee Assistance ProgramsSelf-help book libraryPaid birthday offOffer wellness days, instead of sick daysConflict resolution program

Spirituality is highly individual and can be experienced in many ways

Spiritual wellness encompasses exploring the meanings found in life and uncovering truths

Spiritual maturity enables us to find a peaceful co-existence with others who may not share the same belief system

Employees display more energy which transfers to being more productive on the job

Employee’s caring spirit shines through to clients and customers

Employees often display more kindness to others

Employees may display the golden rule

FreeAllowing for a quiet space to retreat for

personal reflectionEmployee “gratitude” box – submitting

acknowledgements of thankfulness and gratitude

Have a daily “reflection minute”; where employees stop and reflect on an issue of their choosing

Arrange a monthly or quarterly employee “pitch-in thanksgiving feast”, to share a meal and allow people to share what they are thankful for

Cost Create an indoor peaceful quiet reflection room or

aquarium Depending on size, $350 and up for lighted aquariums

Build an outside garden with benches Benches range from $130 on up

Build a labyrinth, (these can be rented for indoor use) The Labyrinth Company maintains a small number of

rental units available by the week. Units rent for $200+

Provide employee journals for journaling Cost of journal $2 to $25 each

Arrange a “mindfulness class” or “renewing retreat”

Social wellness involves being able to create and sustain relationships with family, friends, peers and acquaintances over time

This dimension involves having the ability to communicate well and the ability to positively address issues that invariably arise in relationships

Improved mental and physical health; an improved level of social engagement, and greater access to networking and economic security

Building social capital is an important part of well-being

People who belong to organized social groups live longer than those who don’t

Free Local attractions – art museums, farmer’s

market, Cardinal Greenway Family picnics - potluck held on company

property, or a gazebo at a local park

CostBowling/Softball leagueEmployee appreciation days where wellness

items are raffled off Ex. bike helmets, certificate for a massage,

certificate to a shoe store$50/certificate x 3 employees = $150$150 x 4-6 days/year = $600-$900

Monthly staff socials where healthy snacks are provided Ex. veggies & dip, assorted fruit bar, salad bar

$3 per employee x 50 employees = $150$150 x 12 months = $1800 per year

Keeping your body functioning at its maximum capacity over the entire lifespan

Delaying the onset of disease or dysfunction is the ultimate goal

Physical wellness enables us to remain independent and stay fully engaged in the tasks of our daily lives

The scientific evidence is clear -- regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing:Type -2 diabetesHigh blood pressureSome forms of cancer

Physical activity also promotes psychological wellbeing while it: Lowers blood pressure Helps build and maintain healthy bones Strengthens muscles and joints

Potential costs due to physical inactivity

An employer may spend up to $2,408 per year per employee in combined medical care, worker’s compensation and lost productivity

A company with 50 employees, all under the age of 65

Employees with median income of Delaware County, IN

If as little as 5% of the inactive population in the business became physically active they could save the company $6,019 a year

FreeWeight loss support groups Daily stretchingBike sharing programWalking at work program1-800 QUIT NOW

  

CostGym memberships: Corporate Wellness

Membership prices at the YMCA: $60 joining fee Monthly fees range from $25 to $50 per month

If a company with 50 employees pays the joining fee for all/interested employees = $3000 upfront with $1500 to be potentially reimbursed

Pedometers for a walking program: 50 pedometers at $8 each with the Walk of Life 10 week program = $400 upfront with $200 to

potentially be reimbursed

Maintaining and replenishing natural and personal resources

Cultivating an appreciation for the beauty found in nature

Designing work and play spaces that enable full healthful function

Surrounding yourself with affirming, rejuvenating, and comforting people and places

Several studies have shown that simply looking at environments dominated by greenery, flowers, or water is significantly more effective in promoting recovery and restoration from stress when compared to built scenes lacking nature

FreeDecrease noise pollution TV with pictures & sounds of nature Ride sharing to workSmoke detector checks Have a “take your pet to work” day Allow for natural lightEncourage recycling and conservation

CostWalking path:

Map out an indoor path if possible Construct an outdoor walking

Create and install a garden Provide bike racksMake bike locks available

Example: 50 employees x $20 bike locks = $1000

Possessing the knowledge and ability to effectively manage your money

Living comfortably within your means

Effectively managing your resources and saving for the future

90% of the nearly 128 million workers in the US havedifficulty managing their money and are not consistently saving for retirement Up to 50% admit to wasting 21 hours per month

whileon the job dealing with personal money matters

Two–thirds say “They have trouble paying theirbills on time and worry about money”

Employees regard financial stress as theirnumber one concern, 5 times greaterthan personal health

Department of Labor places the fiduciary obligation on employers to provide unbiased financial education for their employees

Statistics from the National Institute of Personal FinanceEmployee Education

FreeHave the companies accounting team give

a brief 30 minute program giving tips about balancing a budget

Offer financial books in the company library Cost

Magazine subscriptions Web training regarding financial balancing

For further information contact:

Working Well Resources Fisher Institute for Wellness & GerontologyBall State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306(765) 285-8259

http://www.bsu.edu/wellness/wwrt/

Gardner, J. (2005, December). Quality is About Social Ties and Trust for Everyone. Policy & Practice of Public Human Services, 63(4), 30. Retrieved November 3, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

http://www.fittogethernc.org/WorkplaceWellnessAbout.aspx

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5430/is_200704/ai_n21286971

http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/prayer-in-the-workplace-faq.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa5430/is_200704/ai_n21286971

http://www.jesus2020.com/?gclid=CMieg93J25YCFQQCagodRTqj2w

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DTI/is_8_33/ai_n14889917?tag=rel.res1

http://www.talbenshahar.com/ http://www.labyrinthcompany.com/