How to Create a Workplace Wellness Program that Actually Works

By Theresa Islo, program manager for UW Health and Wellness Management

Workplace wellness programs have become standard fare in most organizations, says author and wellness consultant Laura Putnam. According to the 202o Employer Health Benefit Survey by Kaiser Family Foundation, among companies with 200+ employees, 81 percent offered a workplace wellness program in 2020, an 11 percent increase compared to 2008.

However, Laura, the CEO and founder of Motion Infusion, says the classic workplace wellness model is not working well enough, and she argues that workplace wellness program success is within reach. Her advice? Organizations must reshape the work environment to one where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Laura’s advice is backed by real-world examples and comes after studying the best workplace wellness programs in the nation.

As the head of University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management, I’ve been inspired by Laura’s advice. Her #1 tip: Instead of creating another program, Create a Movement. The way one workplace wellness manager can make a difference is to Start a Movement. A movement, as opposed to a program, is all about integration and can permeate throughout an organization. This is critical. 

Get Program Guide

Get Guide

Learn more about our 100% online degree and certificate programs.

X/Twitter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Program of Interest(Required)

* Please select the program you are most interested in...Agile Project Management - CertificateAgile Project Management - CertificateApplied Bioinformatics - CertificateApplied Biotechnology - Master's DegreeApplied Computing - Bachelor's CompletionAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Semester-basedAssociate of Arts and Sciences - Competency-basedBiodiversity and Conservation Science - CertificateBiodiversity Conservation and Management - Master's DegreeBSN@Home - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Administration - Bachelor's CompletionBusiness Analytics - CertificateClimate Leadership - CertificateClinical Mental Health Counseling - Master's DegreeConservation Data Management and Analysis - CertificateConservation Leadership, Policy, and Management - CertificateCybersecurity - Master's DegreeData Science - Master's DegreeData Science - CertificateDiagnostic Imaging - Bachelor's CompletionDigital Marketing Analytics - CertificateDigital Marketing Management - CertificateEmerging Technologies in Fintech - CertificateEnterprise Infrastructure - CertificateEnvironmental Sustainability - CertificateEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - CertificateFoundations of Biodiversity Conservation and Management - CertificateFoundations of Health and Wellness - CertificateHealth and Wellness Management - Master's DegreeHealth Care Informatics - CertificateHealth Information Management & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionHealth Information Management & Technology - CertificateHealth Sciences - Bachelor's CompletionHealthcare Administration - Master's DegreeImproving Health with Data and Policy - CertificateInformation Science & Technology - Bachelor's CompletionInformation Technology Management - Master's DegreeInterprofessional Leadership in Healthcare - MicrocredentialIT Leadership - CertificateIT Operations - CertificateLeadership in Health and Wellness - CertificateLeading Fintech Transformation - CertificateNursing (RN to BSN) - Bachelor's CompletionNursing Home Administration - CertificateSubstance Use Disorders Counselor - CertificateSustainability and Well-being - CertificateSustainable Enterprise - CertificateSustainable Management - Bachelor's CompletionSustainable Management - Master's Degree

Current Education Level(Required)

* Select a Current Education LevelSome High School or lessHigh School Diploma/GEDSome CollegeAssociate Degree - Arts and SciencesAssociate Degree - TechnicalBachelor's DegreeGraduate Degree

Previous Education(Required)

* Select your previous educationI have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)I am currently enrolled in an ADN programI do not have an ADN

Are you interested in pursuing the degree or taking one or two courses?(Required)

Degree

Courses

Can we text you?(Required)

Yes

No

By selecting yes, I agree to receive updates about online degrees, events, and application deadlines from the Universities of Wisconsin.

Msg frequency varies depending on the activity of your record. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. You can opt out by responding STOP at any time. View our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for more details.

Wisconsin Online Collaboratives will not share your personal information. Privacy Policy

Δ

You may be asking, how or where do I start? Laura’s book, Workplace Wellness That Works, offers nearly 300 pages of advice on how to start the movement, build the movement, and make it last. It is used as a textbook in our online master’s degree curriculum. Her stories and insights have changed the way we approach wellness in our courses.

We are excited to help you Start a Movement.

Want to learn more about how expert health and wellness professionals, like Laura Putnam, contribute to the courses within the UW Health and Wellness Management online program? Check out the program’s curriculum or contact an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.edu.

More Health and Wellness Stories

Health and Wellness Management Student Starts Wellness Coordinator Job Before Graduation

An Inside Look at a UW Health and Wellness Management Course: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health

The Best Online Degree for Personal Trainers Who Want a Full-Time Wellness Career