Strategy #33
Employee Wellness
The objective is to reduce employee mental, emotional and physical health risks; promote safe and healthy behavior among employees; and increase longevity and quality of life.
Background
Wellness programs have been developed as a result of recognition of the cost in lost time, production and efficiency due to mental and physical health issues. It is critical in law enforcement that the employee is in optimum mental and physical health. Enhancing employee health and fitness will produce benefits for both the employees and the organization.
Actions
- Provide educational material to all employees on a monthly basis. The topic each month may include specific health issues such as diabetes, nutrition, heart disease, exercise, and physical fitness.
- Consider making physical conditioning a condition of employment throughout an officer’s career.
- Establish minimum physical ability criteria and test annually. Provide appropriate standards for uniformed and non-uniformed employees and establish rewards for both.
- Emphasize wellness by setting the example.
- Consider developing peer support groups and employee assistance programs.
- Host events that promote physical activities such as walking and running, and offer nutrition and weight control seminars, stress management courses, and injury and illness prevention seminars.
- Provide showers and locker room facilities for employees.
- Provide an exercise area or group memberships at local gymnasiums.
- Consider partnering with medical facilities to provide proactive psychological and medical programs.
- Develop resident physical fitness experts who can provide guidance and lead training.
- Recognize employees who have made significant positive health changes.
- Integrate traffic safety issues into the wellness program.
Benefits
- Enhanced overall health and quality of life.
- Increased awareness in detecting early signs of illness and potential injuries.
- Less employee absenteeism because of illness or injury.
- Improved employee efficiency, attitude and productivity.
- Potential reductions in overall cost of health care.
Other Considerations
- Liability issues related to injury during exercise, walking or running activities, which are promoted, required or endorsed by the employer.
- Cost of personnel, equipment, shower facilities, locker rooms and gymnasiums.
- Labor and management issues.