Every worksite will have staff members who will not participate in provided worksite wellness activities. But these same staff members may be following many healthy practices in their daily living. A wonderful wellness program must give these individuals credit and recognition for their wonderful work.
Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal achievement is a good approach for reinforcing what individuals are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who do not like group activities. Suggested steps for individual objectives and recognition include:
• A form workers can fill out which includes the set goal(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic objectives and goals, as individuals frequently overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s wonderful to remind employees “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee goal forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each participant’s goal date. This reminder could be a copy of their original goal form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their goal(s): completed the goal, need an extension, or have discontinued the goal.
• When the form is returned from an employee:
1. If an employee has completed the objective, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the objective (if possible).
2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the objective, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to promote the employee.
3. If the objective is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and advocate the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set goals/objectives any time and as frequently as they want.
