Adults spend approximately half of their waking hours at work (Healthy Workforce 2010, 2001). Because of this, worksites are in a position to greatly impact employees’ lives. It is important for businesses to create a culture of health, where health is a visible priority of the organization and healthful behaviors are reinforced in all aspects of operation. Having a culture of health will encourage employees to participate in health promotion activities (Leading by Example, 2005). As Oklahoma is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation, businesses have a wonderful opportunity to help in the Strong and Healthy Oklahoma initiative to help Oklahomans to eat better, move more, and be tobacco free.
This is why Health Promotion staff at OCCHD have worked over the past year to create the Health at Work OKC initiative. Health at Work OKC has three main components: Health at Work OKC website, OKC Worksite Wellness Workgroup, and supporting local worksite wellness programs by providing information and Make it Your Business trainings.
The Health at Work OKC website (healthatworkokc.org) is a comprehensive tool to show businesses the benefits of worksite wellness, the steps necessary to create a successful wellness program, and local and national wellness resources. The website also features a feed to wellness articles, alerts about OKC Wellness Workgroup meetings, and a message board for networking.
The OKC Worksite Wellness Workgroup is a community group of wellness coordinators, employee health nurses, and others interested in worksite wellness. The group meets monthly to discuss worksite wellness in Oklahoma County, learn from speakers, collaborate on projects to benefit the business community, and network to enhance current wellness programs.
Staff are trained to provide Make it Your Business trainings. The Make it Your Business Toolkit is part of the Strong and Healthy Oklahoma Initiative. The curriculum focuses on policies and practices businesses can implement in the workplace to improve employee health and start or enhance a worksite wellness program. Staff are also available to provide assistance to businesses working to create healthier environments for healthier employees.
The Health at Work OKC initiative is designed to establish Oklahoma City-County Health Department as the premiere resource for worksite wellness in Oklahoma County. The projects implemented help us better serve a large portion of the community, local businesses.