It is no secret among wellness managers that the most important key to the overall success of a wellness program is the support of senior management. And, the success of the Intel Health for Life 3 Step Wellness Check program is proof positive.

But, keeping managers on board can be a struggle, according to Dean Witherspoon, president of Health Enhancement Systems.

He noted that numerous studies show the positive impact of management support on employee health, retention, wellness program participation, productivity – and ultimately on the bottom line.

Witherspoon said managers often decide the scope, budget, and time-off for wellness program activities as well. They can champion the efforts or doom them to failure.

"Managers who make wellness program participation easy – along with being good examples – help create an atmosphere where employees can thrive," he said.

The company said it has defined the role of leadership in a new eight-page white paper, "Management Support: Inspiring Wellness Leadership."

Among the suggestions for wellness managers are:

• Involve managers at all levels in policy development and implementation to promote their buy-in. After all, they will be the ones approving flexible scheduling, reducing workplace stress, encouraging stretch and walk breaks, and boosting overall participation among employees.
• Ask executives, managers, and front-line supervisors to inspire employees by sharing success stories, informally or formally, and visibly participating in workplace wellness campaigns.

The white paper is available as a free download at: www.HealthEnhancementSystems.com/mwp.

Address: Health Enhancement Systems, PO Box 1035, Midland, MI 48641; (989) 839-0852 www.HealthEnhancementSystems.com.