This memo is meant to equip you with the necessary information regarding the Whirlpool Corporation’s Employee Wellness Program. The company has started a wellness program that requires employees to take voluntary annual health checks. The company has given me the task of enlightening you on the facts surrounding this program. This memo informs you on the components of Whirlpool Corporation’s wellness program. The memo also provides you with the communication strategy that will help you promote the program.
The company initiated the wellness program as a cost cutting measure. The company aims to reduce employees’ health costs thereby reducing the company’s health-insurance budget. The wellness program is also meant to improve the employees’ wellbeing. This program would help employees achieve better, healthier, and happier lives. This company is currently 161st in the list of 500 best companies. The company wishes to ensure that the welfare of its employees matches this stature.
The company has therefore decided to give employees a chance to take an annual physical test. These tests are not mandatory but the company encourages each employee to take this test after his/her birthday. This timing is meant to associate age progression with the need to take care of one’s health. The company’s nurse will be in charge of requesting the employees to take advantage of this offer. All the costs arising from this test are catered for by the company. The company wishes to make it clear that no records are kept from these physicals. All the forms from these tests are given to the employee and no copies are made whatsoever. The physical checkups include only the standard tests. In the event that a physical condition is discovered, the company will not force the employee towards any action. However, the company encourages the employee to get in touch with his/her physician. Depending on the program’s success, the company can extend its benefits to employees’ spouses. Nevertheless, it will be up to the employees to convince their spouses to take part in the program.
The company’s main challenge is selling this idea to the employees. While this program is beneficial to both the company and the employees, it has the potential to make some employees uncomfortable. The responsibility of encouraging employees to take part in the program belongs to the human resource department. This is because most employees fear being victimized if their health changes. Therefore, your job is to emphasize the confidentiality and professionalism of the program. Be sure to note that no records or statistics will be kept from these tests. In addition, appeal to the employees “fun side”. This is why the tests are scheduled to take part around each employee’s birthday. Birthdays are both joyous and reflective moments, which is why most employees are likely to reflect upon their health conditions at such times. There is no room for using authoritative tones in this matter. The communication should be persuasive and friendly. Moreover, try not to highlight the company’s stake in the program when you are persuading the employees. The benefits of the program to the company should be relegated to second place. On the other hand, the communication should focus on how the program will benefit the employees, their spouses, their families, their productivity, and their social life.
The company has previously conducted educational seminars on this issue. Therefore, it should not be hard for you to convince employees to take part in this program. The company spends a lot of money on its employees’ health. The effectiveness of this program might reduce this budget and introduce new benefits to the employees. It is up to you to convince the employees that they benefit from this program no matter what the outcomes are. Make sure that the employees have understood the benefits of this program before the next fiscal year. I wish you all the best and good luck.