Idaho State Employee Wellness

1. Idaho State Employee Wellness Division of Professional-Technical Education Jody Zauha Why Wellness – Why Now?

2. The irony . . . HealthMatters At a time when employers want people who are healthier, thinner, faster, younger, and less stressed, the general population is becoming less healthy, fatter, slower, older, and more stressed! Corporate Health & Well-being Management Compendium, Vie Life Idaho State Employee Wellness

3. HealthMatters Wellness is caring for the ‘whole’ person - physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. It’s about being productive, feeling good physically and emotionally, and interacting in a positive way with people and the environment. Idaho State Employee Wellness

4. Today’s workplace is impacted by A larger number of workers with sedentary lifestyles and fast food habits potentially resulting in increased use of health services at an earlier age The Baby Boomers coming of age, experiencing more health needs and increasing use of health care services HealthMatters Idaho State Employee Wellness

5. The Graying of America – people are living longer, utilizing more health care Workplace stress is at its highest level and getting higher; stress is a contributing factor/cause of many life illnesses Hospital and pharmaceutical costs are rising The Obesity Epidemic is at a national all time high; obesity often results from poor nutrition and inactivity Idaho State Employee Wellness

6. Why wellness – why now? HealthMatters Because good health is our most valuable possession. And healthy, well employees are an important key to a productive and costeffective workplace. Idaho State Employee Wellness

7. The productive workplace… HealthMatters Is an environment where there is sustained or improved mental concentration, physical and mental stamina, positive problem solving, appropriate reaction time, and memory. A productive, well workplace results in greater alertness, better relations with co-workers, lower stress, and more enjoyment of work. Idaho State Employee Wellness

8. The cost effective workplace means… Better service to Idaho’s citizens A more efficient workplace and a more effective state budget HealthMatters Preventable illnesses (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and others) make up 70% of illness costs in the United States. Reducing just one health risk increases productivity by 9% and decreases absenteeism by 2%. Physically active people save $500 a year in healthcare costs. Idaho State Employee Wellness

9. Benefits of workplace wellness For the employee Higher job satisfaction, increased ability to cope with stress, improved health and well being, increased productivity and effectiveness at work For the organization Reduced absenteeism, injuries, and turnover, disability compensation, health care costs, and life insurance costs For the State of Idaho More productive and efficient employees result in better service to Idaho’s citizens; and healthy employees have a positive impact on the health of their communities and the state HealthMatters Idaho State Employee Wellness

10. HealthMatters Time for a paradigm shift? Shift thinking from…Good health is out of my control Shift to I can make choices Shift thinking from…Insurance is an entitlement Shift to Being a conscientious consumer Idaho State Employee Wellness

11. Empowering employees with information Encouraging and supporting healthy behaviors Creating local provider partnerships & networks Knowing your areas of risk HealthMatters Creating a healthy work environment means . . .

12. HealthMatters • Workplace wellness tools… • Health MattersWebsite, State of Idaho • Health Matters monthly e-newsletter • Local health care providers: hospitals, district health office, clinics, speakers • Local UofI Extension Office, college, or university Idaho State Employee Wellness

13. Your agency’s wellness ‘point person’ to keep wellness visible, communicate information, connect people with existing resources, and coordinate with any statewide efforts • Well Connected Website, Blue Cross of Idaho Idaho State Employee Wellness

14. HealthMatters Next Steps • Agency Wellness Contact • Have a plan; focus your goal • Determine monies available (optional) • Walk the talk Idaho State Employee Wellness

15. HealthMatters Major Impact Areas Include • Nutrition & Weight Management • Diabetes • Smoking Cessation • Inactivity • Stress Management Idaho State Employee Wellness

16. Knowledge and information work Many lifestyle illnesses are preventable and correctable State of Idaho employees want to get involved Existing resources can be used at minimal to ‘no cost’ to your agency Wellness is a win-win HealthMatters The Good News Idaho State Employee Wellness

17. Want to get started? Email: healthmatters@pte.idaho.gov