A wellness manager is in charge of developing and implementing programs to help employees achieve their health goals. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the position grew in popularity, and many medium to large companies now have at least one wellness program manager on staff. Employees who are in good health are more productive, take fewer sick days, and cost less to insure. A wellness manager’s typical programs include smoking cessation classes, physical fitness activities, and stress management assistance.
The education requirements for a position as a wellness manager vary depending on the company. Some employers will accept work experience and completion of a training course in lieu of a degree in the medical or business fields. Others demand that their wellness managers have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as health and wellness. A business-related secondary degree may also be beneficial and give applicants an advantage over the competition.
One of the main responsibilities of a wellness manager is to identify the need for healthier workplace behaviors. If a number of employees are smokers, for example, the manager may implement a smoking cessation program. It’s also critical to provide a way for employees to stay physically fit. Managers may help employees pay for gym memberships or construct an on-site workout room for employees to use during breaks or after work. Identifying workplace wellness needs necessitates excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and regular interaction with employees.
The wellness manager will typically implement some type of incentive program to go along with the programs in order to increase their chances of success. Employees who achieve specific goals may be rewarded with cash bonuses, additional vacation days, or other incentives. Employees are more likely to participate in wellness programs when incentives are attached, according to studies. Wellness managers must devise incentives that are both appealing to employees and cost-effective for the company, which may necessitate some creative thinking.
A wellness manager may need to assist workers with specific individual needs from time to time, in addition to general health-improving programs for all employees. For example, if a worker is injured on the job and develops a pain pill addiction, the wellness manager may be responsible for getting the worker into a treatment program and assisting with sobriety. The manager may also be able to assist employees in obtaining financial aid or counseling for family or legal issues.