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Productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost U.S. employers more than $225 billion annually.

To minimize health-related costs, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) seeks public and private businesses and organizations to participate in a no-cost employer-training program this summer to help build and maintain effective workplace wellness programs.

“Workplace health programs can help employees adopt healthier lifestyles and lower their risk of developing costly chronic diseases,” Work@Health Master Trainer Karin Leimbach said. “Also, people often feel better at a workplace that cares about them – and they’re more likely to put time back into that place.”

Oklahoma has seen great success so far with the program. Since its launch in the state, there has been one master trainer and five certified trainers who have trained 49 employers, which has impacted more than 24,000 employees.

The Work@Health program provides employer education, training, and ongoing technical assistance to create sustainable, evidence-based wellness programs that reduce healthcare costs and increase worker productivity.

To be eligible, employers must be headquartered in the U.S., provide health insurance, and employ at least 20 individuals. A maximum of two participants per employer may attend the training, which will be completed over five weeks.

Work@Health uses web-based and in-person training to cover several workplace health principles, including:

• Why having a workplace wellness program makes good business sense.
• How to assess the workplace health needs of organizations.
• How to plan, implement, and create an environment that supports evidence-based workplace health programs, policies, and practices that provide a great return on investment.
• Know if your workplace health and wellness program works and how to improve its quality continuously.
• Developing and leveraging partnerships, community links, and resources to support workplace health.

Employers interested in the Work@Health program can contact Chrissy Swift at ChrissyS@health.ok.gov or call (918) 341-3166. For more information, visit cdc.gov/workathealth.

The District 4 County Health Departments protect and promote health by serving the following counties: Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Wagoner and Washington. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health/CHD.