My path to wellness has unfolded organically.  It started with my pursuit of a psychology degree, then journeyed on to a teaching credential.  Along the way, I became a licensed soccer coach and was nominated coach of the year.  I have since become a certified spin instructor and teach spin classes weekly.  I have also mentored on the Team in Training Triathlon Team.  When a position opened up at Progressive Benefit Group, I was a natural fit.  Since joining PBG as their Wellness Coordinator, I had the luck of coming across WELCOA early on in my wellness career.  Taking every certification class offered since becoming a member has laid down the foundation for building successful wellness programs for my clients.  It has been my inspiration, education and validation as I attempt to guide and collaborate with my clients in developing world class wellness programs.  This resource has by far been the most valuable.  Health promotion was a natural direction and career choice.  It is how I live my life.  I know I am fortunate to have the opportunity to share my passion directly with so many people, and just maybe inspire others to make positive changes in their lives.

The scope of programs that PBG can offer is quite broad and depends on many things including budget and top down support.  When I first started, I thought that the full blown top notch wellness portal was the way to go to get the majority of employees onboard, and for the real changes to happen.  I now think differently.  I believe it is a slow and steady movement that is rolled out over time, slowly changing the foundational culture that is the key to long term success, sustainability, and true culture shift.  That being said, I have witnessed the impact through varied paths, from a significant change in hard data (biometrics) by simply walking, to stand out stories of success when individuals found their 'nudge' to finally address their health standards when offered different doorways to enter to the same end - wellness.

The most successful program, that I helped to initiate, was with a company whose president endorsed offering two official walking challenges over the course of the year.  With the enthusiasm of the wellness committee, and a great wellness champion leader, the president also subsidized Fitbits for all participants.  The Fitbit online group was formed where members could join teams and chat with each other.  Raffle tickets were issued as different step levels were achieved that could be put in the pot of incentives purchased with company credit card points.  Not only did this group realize about 85% participation, but one year later, biometrics were retaken.  The results were astounding.  The majority of those screened (at least half were repeat participants in the screening) fell into the healthy ranges.  This group has experienced tremendous success in just a year.  To sweeten the deal, those walkers who maintain the recommended 10,000 steps a day receive a premium reduction.

One of the most important aspects of being in a leadership role is recognizing individuals and their successes where they are right now.  Where are they already winning?  Then, how can we build on that?  As a leader in wellness, I also know it is imperative that I am living what my position stands for.  Part of that includes being transparent with my own struggles and areas that could stand to be improved.  In our office I make sure that we have a daily opportunity to come together and do an activity as a group.  Whether it is Walk and Talk Tuesdays, or The 7 Minute Workout, or whatever the 30 day challenge of the month is up, these daily events are a culture changer.  It has instilled a sense of TEAM in a way that nothing else has before.

When I think of how my role as leader has really evolved, I point to two things.  One would have to be the wealth of knowledge that the WELCOA certifications have given me to confidently stand behind and endorse the wellness movements that I am helping to create.  Secondly, getting out in front of an audience and speaking to these movements.  By speaking in front of people, I am able to share my true passion for what I am doing and proposing.  In the eyes of my audience, I become the expert.  It is then my job to deliver well on that premise.  Therefore, if you are interested in the field of wellness, and you want to start a movement, you had better be truly passionate.  This passion will give you the credence as you gain experience through doing the work and educating yourself along the way.  And, by the way, be sure to begin by arming yourself with the Seven Benchmarks.  They are a game changer.

One size does not fit all.  Every company that I work with gets a fresh take on wellness and what will fit with that culture.  Our wellness platform, offering multiple challenges spanning all areas of wellness, has worked really well for some of my clients.  It is the way that anyone can enter into wellness through the doorway that feels approachable for them.  While in there, they can't help but notice and be influenced by the messaging and other opportunities that are available at the same time.  One individual told me that six months into the program, he is in the best shape of his life!  It was the nudge he needed to get back on track.  The use of activity trackers has been huge!  Sure the media says that interest can fall off after about six months, but my experience and statistics collected shows otherwise.  Another company has, over time, adopted healthy food offerings onsite as well as healthy potlucks.  Even vendors are pre-warned of the acceptable food choices that can be brought to share.  Once challenged by this message, those who were in resistance, along with the rest of the group, are now proud advocates for their company's stand on wellness through healthier food choices.  Food is our medicine.

My vision for the health care industry is to the tune of, one size does not fit all, and slow and steady you go.  Company culture change takes time.  When things happen too quickly, people get suspicious and think that this is something that is being done to them rather than for them.  To build a culture of wellness in a company, first you have to understand your group. We must keep in mind the voice and ear of the company; how will they hear the message and how would they say it best? Only then can you start to make the small changes by offering better food choices, encouraging walking breaks, demonstrating hourly standing and stretching and creating team building opportunities.  Little by little, slowly over time.  Thanks to healthcare promotion, "wellness" is the new buzz word and companies are ready to check that box.  We have such a great opportunity here to move the needle, to create a culture shift, to make a difference.  Size 'em up, then hit it - slow and steady.