Introduction
The Healthy People 2010 targeted objective that will be discussed addresses the increase in the proportion of worksites that offer a comprehensive employee health promotion program to employees. With increasing evidence supporting health promotion programs in the workplace, more companies than ever are implementing health and wellness strategies to reduce injuries, health care costs, and long-term disability. It is reported that if the United States Department of Health and Human Services has its way, 75 percent of United States worksites will offer employees a comprehensive health promotion program by the year 2010. It argues that such programs may help employees live healthier lifestyles by creating supportive work environments and offering awareness, education, and behavioral change programs. Comprehensive worksite health promotion programs are one strategy within the government’s overall plan to improve the nation’s health.
Targeted Description of Community
The target population will be male and female employees at the local Wal-Mart in Leesville, LA between the ages of 21 and 82 years of age. The total population would consist of 132 employees. The two target groups that are identified in this work include employees that already have a chronic disease (to make them better) and employees that are healthy (to keep them healthy and prevent illness later). A baseline needs assessment would be performed on willing participants to determine the current health status and potential health risks. Four Healthy Workforce Objectives for employers target risk behaviors include tobacco use, alcohol/drug use, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity. Employees with lifestyle risk and multiple risk factors for disease (e.g., high blood pressure, smoking, and sedentary habits) would be categorized as low or high-cost in terms of healthcare use, absenteeism, disability, and overall productivity.
Results from the 1999 National Worksite Health Promotion Survey (NWHPS) indicate that a third (34%) of employers with 50 or more employees offer comprehensive health promotion programs that meet Healthy People 2010 criteria. NWHPS data show that already over 90% of surveyed worksites offer at least one health promotion activity. The NWHPS found that more than half (55%) of all worksites with at least 50 employees and more than two-thirds (68%) of America’s largest employers already maintain accurate participation records. Since 61% of U.S. employees aged 18 years and older now take part in employer-sponsored health promotion activities, the nation is most of the way toward achieving its goal: a 75% participation rate (Byrd & Morris, 2008).
Explanations to the Matrix
The matrix describes and reveals the most essential factors for the issues of healthcare within the retail company Walmart. Originally, the factors are numerous, however, the matrix requires the most essential only. Consequently, the list of factors was essentially shortened. The fact is that the factors which are regarded to be more changeable depend on the employees and employers themselves, and, if there is a strong necessity to solve the issue of healthcare, it should be stated that these are the factors that may be comparatively easily changed by the efforts of the company and the workers. As for the factors, which are regarded to be less changeable (except the weather and climate factor), may be changed also, however, it would require much more effort, and, they depend solely on workers and their safety measures (measures to avoid the aggravation of a decease or allergy).
More important / more changeable: these are mainly the environmental factors, which are closely related to the working conditions. The fact is that these are the factors which may be changed, still, the working conditions presuppose contacts with harmful materials, working stresses on independent reasons, etc.
More changeable / less important: These are mainly the psychological factors which are not essential for the allover health care, nevertheless, they could positively impact the health of the workers and improve the overall working performance.
Less changeable / more important: these are the personal health issues of the workers. It is hard to change these issues, still, it is up to workers themselves to care for their health, and prevent the aggravation of diseases, and follow their diet.
Less changeable / less important: the only factor in this quadrant is the factor of weather. These issues slightly influence the matters of health; however, it is impossible to impact the climate.
Conclusion
Preventive measures are being employed by businesses to contain the escalating costs of employee healthcare. The worksite is an ideal setting for health promotion because 130 million Americans are employed and spend one-third of their time at work. However, unhealthy workers tend to be the least likely to participate in health promotion activities. Numerous studies have concluded that properly implemented Worksite Wellness Programs can improve employee health outcomes and yield economic benefits. In addition, WWPs reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and improve employee attitudes and job performance.
References
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