1. By Nichole Paquin Work-Life Programs

2. Work-life Program Work-life programs are valuable to both employers and employees. These programs are a great incentive for employers to attract, motivate and retain employees. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay with an employer. A few steps must be taken before any programs are put into action: Work-life programs are valuable to both employers and employees. These programs are a great incentive for employers to attract, motivate and retain employees. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay with an employer. A few steps must be taken before any programs are put into action: Determine what practices, if any, are currently in use (i.e. fitness equipment, bus passes, etc.) Determine what practices, if any, are currently in use (i.e. fitness equipment, bus passes, etc.) Differentiate between the availability of work-life benefits and workforce development Differentiate between the availability of work-life benefits and workforce development List the pros and cons for both employer and employee List the pros and cons for both employer and employee Identify any available resources needed and those which the company already has Identify any available resources needed and those which the company already has Companies could make a list of activities and ideas they would like to have available in their company and start off with the smallest, least expensive initiative first. This will make it easier to get management on board with your plan. For example, a brown bag lunch once a month: participants bring their lunch into a specified area where a variety of topics may be discussed; such as gardening, stress mgt, taxes, child care, etc. This small and free change leads to a stronger social environment and networking. Companies could make a list of activities and ideas they would like to have available in their company and start off with the smallest, least expensive initiative first. This will make it easier to get management on board with your plan. For example, a brown bag lunch once a month: participants bring their lunch into a specified area where a variety of topics may be discussed; such as gardening, stress mgt, taxes, child care, etc. This small and free change leads to a stronger social environment and networking. (June 21, 2001 Women's Bureau Conference Call) (June 21, 2001 Women's Bureau Conference Call)

3. On Site Daycare Facility What are we offering you? Subsidized cost. Company-Employee split 50/50 (Children 0-5) Subsidized cost. Company-Employee split 50/50 (Children 0-5) Maximum 2 children per family Maximum 2 children per family Flexible hours to cover across multiple shifts Flexible hours to cover across multiple shifts “In a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, employers cite child-care issues as causing more problems than any other family- related issue in the workplace, with increases in absenteeism and tardiness reported in nine out of 10 companies. And 80% of the companies surveyed said that work days were cut short because of child-care problems.” According to Children's Creative Learning Centers (CCCL) approximately 9% of employers provide on-site or near-site child care centers; 11% of employees say they work for employers who do so Benefits gained in exchange: Reduced absenteeism and tardiness due to daycare provider issues. Reduced absenteeism and tardiness due to daycare provider issues. Higher productivity from staff Higher productivity from staff Happier and more satisfied employees Happier and more satisfied employees

4. On Site Wellness Services What are we offering you? Great prices on massages and spa services such as a manicure, pedicure, brown waxing. Great prices on massages and spa services such as a manicure, pedicure, brown waxing. Services would be set up with a local massage school, services would be at a lesser cost then retail cost. Services would be set up with a local massage school, services would be at a lesser cost then retail cost. Sessions would be set for 15 or 30 minute increments in a secluded and discrete area of the building to ensure your privacy. Sessions would be set for 15 or 30 minute increments in a secluded and discrete area of the building to ensure your privacy. Services are scheduled two weeks in advance. Services are scheduled two weeks in advance. Benefits gained in exchange: Employees who are happy at work Employees who are happy at work Higher productivity from staff Higher productivity from staff Happier and more satisfied employees Happier and more satisfied employees Employees with less stress and personally satisfied Employees with less stress and personally satisfied Employees pay in advance so there is little to none out of pocket money for the services with the exception of the company space. Employees pay in advance so there is little to none out of pocket money for the services with the exception of the company space. Decreases overuse injuries. Decreases overuse injuries. Provides some high-touch to counterbalance high-tech environments Provides some high-touch to counterbalance high-tech environments Offers employees something new and different Offers employees something new and different

5. On Site Gyms Most places like to offer gyms at the workplace as a healthy option for the wellness minded people. With that in mind, we are offering the following: 24 hour fitness gym 24 hour fitness gym On site fitness instructors On site fitness instructors On site wellness classes On site wellness classes It is our hope that with these options that the employees will become more healthy and opt to live a healthier lifestyle. “Workplace physical activity initiatives are a good investment as employees’ health is directly related to the costs of sick leave and absenteeism. ”

6. Biggest Loser Program What we are offering you: Weekly weigh-ins Weekly weigh-ins Motivational speaker Motivational speaker Facilitated exercise program Facilitated exercise program Support Groups Support Groups On line progress monitoring On line progress monitoring Varied exercise programs Varied exercise programs Healthier life and a nice prize for the “top ten loser$”. Healthier life and a nice prize for the “top ten loser$”. Benefits gained in exchange: Healthier and happier employees Healthier and happier employees Less doctor visits due to improved health Less doctor visits due to improved health Healthier attitudes and healthier minds equals better work results. Healthier attitudes and healthier minds equals better work results.

7. Healthcare in the Workplace There are many benefits to healthcare in the workplace. This benefits both the employer and employee in the end. There are many things that can be offered for employees at their place of work. Examples of this are: Acute care Occupational health Pharmacy Physical Therapy Radiology Wellness Fitness Prevention education

8. Healthcare in the Workplace Employer Benefits Offers up to a ten percent savings immediately on total yearly healthcare costs. Improves employee behavior and health. Provides better communication between patients and the providers. Absenteeism will be lowered. Employees will be healthier and more productive. Employee Benefits Have access to high-quality healthcare. Have access to healthcare during work hours. Better healthcare offered in a minute clinic fashion. Possibility of getting in to see a physician sooner than if they were going to a clinic.

9. What is Flexible Scheduling? Flexible scheduling is a program that many employers are now offering to employees that allows their schedule to better fit their lifestyle. “Flexible work schedules and work-life supports create opportunities for both employees and employers. Employers appreciate the boost in productivity and morale while employees reap the benefits of structuring work around their lives instead of the other way around.” - Alliance for Work Life Progress, 2005 Employees on a flexible schedule may work a condensed work week or may work a regular work week. Those working a condensed week may work four ten hour days, rather than five eight hour days. Those who work a five day week may work hours other than the typical "nine to five.” Benefits of Flexible scheduling include: Reduced absenteeism Declined stress levels: increasing production Ability to reduce PTO: save money Keep competitive with local market, other employers Show how committed you are to your employees, increase longevity

10. What Does Flexible Scheduling Consist Of? Since about 86 percent of workers say work/life balance is their number one career priority, flexible scheduling is a great opportunity to remain competitive (Hirsh, 2004). Flexible scheduling is available in many different ways. Some examples are: Compressed Schedule: working at least 40 hours per week in fewer than 5 days Buddy program: two people collaborate on all jobs, both full time, what one doesn’t finish, the other does Job Sharing: like the buddy program but both people are part time and literally share or split the 40 hours per week Telecommuting: some hours are worked at the office but some are also worked from the home office, or outside facility. Because of these schedules employees have reported feeling grateful to their employers and work harder for the extra time with their families. Also remember that a well rested employee is able to work much harder than one who is overworked. Showing that you care about their well-being is a sign of dedication to their health, and you will be rewarded for that in their work.

11. Using Exercise Balls in the Workplace Sitting at a desk all day can be pretty tiring on the body and legs. Why not add some exercise to the daily routine? Benefits for adding exercise balls include; Healthier posture The ability to move around Gives the employee a little break from the normal routine “Recently, these balls have been creeping into the workplace, claiming to be good for core strength and posture.”

12. Healthier Eating For All Changing the way that workplaces celebrate good production to a more healthier way of living is the next big thing to hit the workplace. Some changes to be done are: Healthy treats in vending machines, such as yogurt and smoothies. Mixing up the old fashion donuts on Fridays to include fruits only. Offering free sugar-free gum at various locations throughout the company. By offering a more healthier way of living, it not only makes the employee healthier but also introduces their families into a healthier way of living. Some things to take into consideration for benefits include: “Reduced risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Elevated mood, energy and self-esteem. Reduced anxiety and stress. Opportunities to spend enjoyable time with family and friends.”

13. Healthcare in the Workplace There are many benefits to healthcare in the workplace. This benefits both the employer and employee in the end. There are many things that can be offered for employees at their place of work. Examples of this are: Acute care Occupational health Pharmacy Physical Therapy Radiology Wellness Fitness Prevention education

14. Healthcare in the Workplace Employer Benefits Offers up to a ten percent savings immediately on total yearly healthcare costs. Improves employee behavior and health. Provides better communication between patients and the providers. Absenteeism will be lowered. Employees will be healthier and more productive. Employee Benefits Have access to high-quality healthcare. Have access to healthcare during work hours. Better healthcare offered in a minute clinic fashion. Possibility of getting in to see a physician sooner than if they were going to a clinic.

15. Conclusion As we have shown there are many benefits to the Work-Life Programs that we have suggested. It not only saves the company money, but it will also save the employee money in the long run. As a reminder these suggestions were: On-Site Daycare On-Site Gym Healthcare in the Workplace On-Site Spa Flexible Scheduling If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to speak up at this time. We are more than welcome to share more details on any specific plans if asked.

16. Works Cited Enjoying massage in the workplace. (2010). Retrieved March 7, 2010 from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/enjoying-massage-in-the-workplace.html Greenway Medical Technologies Partners With Walgreens Subsidiary Take Care Health Employer Solutions To Deploy PrimeSuite EHR Solution in Workplace Health Centers :Technology Will Aid in Reducing Employer Healthcare Costs While Driving Improved Patient Outcomes. (1 March). PR Newswire. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 1972865661). Hahn, C. (2007, April 24). Day care: an office affair. The Debate Room, Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2007/04/day_care_an_off.html Healthy eating at work. (2008, September 3). Retrieved March 2, 2010 from http://www.ccohs.com Health promotion tips. (2008, June 24). Retrieved March 2, 2010.from http://www.healthpromotiontips.com Hirsh, Stacey. (2004, September 26). Flexible work schedules pay off. Retrieved f on March 5, 2010 from http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/09/26/flexible_work_schedules_pay_off/ Schmitt, Emily. (2009, March 16). How a Flexible schedule can help you strike the balance. Retrieved March 5, 2010 from http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/16/work-life-flextime-leadership- careers-flexible.html Spors, Kelly. (2008, December 10). Employee weight loss programs can work - with the right financial incentives. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/12/10/employee-weight-loss-programs-can-work- with-the-right-financial-incentives/tab/article/