DECREASE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

with both employers and employees left frustrated, discouraged, and wondering what went wrong.

Even worse, any physical and/ or emotional health benefits gained are quickly reversed and may even go into decline, leaving workers less healthy and more stressed than before.For employee wellness programs to have a lasting positive effect on employees, and a higher probability of success, they must include a personalized, ongoing educational component.

Most programs focus on short-term actions that produce quick results but do very little to create the attitude and behavioral changes that result in long-term benefits.

Only education not focused on immediate gratification or “quick hits,” can do this. It will provide employees important and relevant health information in a way they understand, that addresses personal needs, and is readily applied to daily life. A key element is helping employees know what is going on with their bodies is comprehensive testing.

This may include nutritional, stress level, genomics, and other key metrics. Armed with this information, companies help employees not only get healthier physically and emotionally, but also take proactive steps to stay healthy.

Companies can also lead by example. Junk food is often used as a stress reliever. Providing healthy alternatives in vending machines can affect this.

Encourage listening to the right kind of music. Research shows that relaxing music lowers stress and creates a calming environment. Encourage employees to stand, stretch, and walk during the day.

Enhanced wellness programs also need to offer employees tools needed to effectively and easily apply what is learned to their daily lives—nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, and behavioral changes. They should be ongoing support to keep employees on track and motivated to continue their personalized programs.

These measures include periodic check-ins to monitor progress, adapting the personalized programs as necessary to help an employee achieve their goals, and online and offline support.

By better addressing the underlying causes of workplace violence through enhanced employee wellness programs, it may turn the tide and make workplaces safer. Will this require an investment? Of course, it will. Will it be worth it? Most definitely. It will save lives—maybe your own.