FitSense had the pleasure of hosting a corporate wellness showcase this week in Canberra. The event was an informative session on the research behind corporate wellness programs and how this information can be applied to create a successfully implemented program.

We were able to chat to many HR representatives from various organisations, and it was great to see the number of organisations already taking an interest in the health and wellness of their staff. The sizes and industry of the organisations present varied, as did the types of wellness activities they implemented, however it highlighted the importance of wellness programs in the workplace from both the organisation and staff point of view.

FitSense is a strong believer that a comphrensive, scientific based wellness program which is closely monitored in comparison to the program goals, is the best means of creating a meaningful improvement in the health and fitness of staff. While activities such as health expos, lunchtime fitness sessions and gym memberships create awareness, they are not thorough enough (when used alone) to generate meaningful long term lifestyle change.

Health and fitness assessments conducted on individual staff members is the best way of assessing the health status of the organisation and allowing change to be monitored. Additionally, one on one sessions allow staff to be assisted in setting individual goals and creating an action plan.
However, just as important as the types of activities included in the wellness program is the goal of having regular and consistent contact with staff through well timed wellness activities and events.

The importance of staff wellness is becoming more important to organisations, especially as our workforce ages and poor health starts taking a larger financial toll.