The document discusses the importance of workplace wellness programs for state employees in Idaho. It notes that today's workers face increasing health issues like obesity and stress. Wellness programs can help employees by improving health, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs. The document provides an overview of the potential benefits of wellness programs for employees, employers and the state, and gives examples of low-cost wellness tools and resources available for state agencies in Idaho.

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

2. Health Matters
The irony . . .
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. Health Matters
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. Health Matters
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
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. Health Matters
Why wellness – why now?
Because good health
is our most valuable
possession. And
healthy, well
employees are an
important key to a
productive and cost
effective workplace.
Idaho State Employee Wellness

7. Health Matters
The productive workplace…
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. Health Matters
The cost effective workplace means…
• Better service to Idaho’s citizens
• A more efficient workplace and a more
effective state budget
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. Health Matters
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
Idaho State Employee Wellness

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

12. Health Matters
Workplace wellness tools…
• Health Matters Website, 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. Health Matters
Next Steps
• Agency Wellness Contact
• Have a plan; focus your goal
• Determine monies available (optional)
• Walk the talk
Idaho State Employee Wellness

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

16. Health Matters
The Good News
• 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
Idaho State Employee Wellness

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