In order for employees to participate in your organization's wellness program they need to have a solid understand of the basics, as well as be inspired to take action.
But accomplishing that one-two punch can be hard. To help, we've complied a list of 12 quick tips to help you effectively communicate the value of your wellness program.
1. Know your employees
Understanding what resonates with your employees can help create a strong foundation to base your future conversations / communications on. Develop the “what’s in it for me” value proposition for your wellness program based off your organizations’ unique needs & culture.
2. Keep a goal in mind
If you hold a wellness meeting, write an email, send a monthly newsletter, etc., it’s important to develop a goal. You need to recognize what you want to be accomplished before the communication event occurs. This will help keep the message clear to employees.
3. Be aware of time
Employees are often strapped for time, and an hour-long meeting about their wellness program may do more harm than good. Try to keep time limited & be mindful of employees’ time. Which leads to the next point…
4. Be concise
Keeping your message brief and to the point helps you limit the time. Also, in written communication, limiting your sentences and cutting filler words means employees can spend less time reading & more time actively participating.
5. Be upbeat
Wellness should be a fun add-on to the workday, not a forced upon initiative. Remain positive & always highlight the “what’s in it for me” benefit when communicating to your employees. Creating an upbeat feel will help the participants relax & be more open to trying something new.
6. Be knowledgeable
Getting the details right and being thorough from the very first communication will save your employees a lot of confusion right from the start. This will also you a lot of time from having to send clarifying communications and answering questions. Being too close to the message can mean missing details. Have someone who wasn’t part of developing the message review it to see what their understanding is before rolling out to the larger group.
7. Use multiple forms of communication
Every employee likes different forms of communication. By providing a variety of ways for them to learn more (Think monthly health tips, posting flyers, mail stuffers, emails, face-to-face meetings, one on one interventions.) you can create a strong baseline understanding of your wellness program.
8. Use visuals
Going beyond the written word, whether on slides or printed information, allows employees to better grasp the concept and overall feeling you’re trying to portray in the program.
9. Create a receptive atmosphere
Keeping channels of communication open by providing an email, phone number and contact person for employees to use to voice concerns/ask questions works great to show employees you care and are willing to help.
10. Be appreciative
It’s a simple, but sometimes underutilized communication method that packs a big impact. Be sure to thank employees for taking the time to listen and participate in your program after each piece of communication.
11. Be tolerant
An employee will often have many questions/concerns and many will ask the same questions multiple times. Being tolerant and understanding will help paint a picture of your wellness program as considerate, friendly and understanding, which will boost participation and create a lot less frustration.
12. Ask questions
Communication is a two way street. Check-in with your employees as you are delivering the message to make sure they are following. Also make sure to ask employees for feedback throughout the program. Be upfront and ready to take actions based on the feedback you receive.