Worksite Wellness

Overview

Two-thirds of the rise in health care spending is due to the rise in treated chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma. Many cases could be prevented. Most could be better managed.
Because most adults spend at least 45% of their day at work, it is important for employers to offer a supportive environment to assist their staff in leading a healthy lifestyle.
The ArCOP Worksite Wellness Workgroup was created to ensure physical activity opportunities and nutritious foods are accessible in the work environment. Resources for health and wellness promotion programs, vending machine policy and practices and healthy options in cafeterias are provided through the resources of the Workgroup.
The worksite wellness workgroup has over 25 members. Membership is largely central Arkansas-based but is branching out with membership in Harrison, Pine Bluff and Batesville. The workgroup is eager to attract many more employers to the table.  Please join us!

Team Meetings

Held on the 3rd Tuesday of  March, May, July, September and November,  from 10:00 A.M. – Noon.  Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the American Cancer Society Volunteer Center,  901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72203

Important Developments

Employers often are unaware of successful worksite interventions that address chronic disease cost drivers within their employee population. The workgroup has compiled a comprehensive web-based clearinghouse/toolkit that is a resource for employers and human resource personnel.  The resources include a collection of best practice and evidence-based worksite intervention programs that are proven effective for employers to model in their worksite. The resources also teach employers how improving their employee’s health will improve their bottom-line.

During the summer of 2010 the Workgroup completed five regional Employer Health Summits located in Batesville, Harrison, Little Rock, Stuttgart and El Dorado. The Summits offered the free online toolkit, a panel discussion from local employers who are making wellness work and a message from the Arkansas Department of Health Director, Arkansas Surgeon General and the Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Coming Soon

The Worksite Wellness workgroup is always looking for new members to join in the employee health efforts across Arkansas.

Plans are underway for events in communities similar to the Employer Health Summits.

Resources

ArCOP Worksite Wellness Workgroup resources and tools for Arkansas employers: www.worksitewellness.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Department of Health, Adults in Worksites: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/lifestageHealth/Pages/AdultsinWorksites.aspx

Arkansas Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (AHELP), for State Agencies: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/lifestageHealth/Pages/AHELP.aspx