I am a firm believer that company culture, company policy, and workplace wellness are all intertwined. They are all pieces of the same fabric, woven together to create the experience of each employee. No one element can be easily separated without impacting the other elements.
Although I do work with companies to improve their workplace wellness and create healthy supportive environments for employees, this would be impossible to do without also looking at the existing company culture and policies that support or work against the workplace wellness strategies we are trying to design. If the company culture is one of negativity and gossip, then adding a healthy potluck once a month will not create a happy workforce. Running clubs, fitness challenges, and walking meetings can't be successful without buy-in from management.
When trying to create a healthier environment at work, examine the company culture and policies as well. Asking a few of the following questions when starting your planning process might help include company culture into the big picture and help create better outcomes.
Why is this initiative important to your company? Why now?
Is there buy-in from management?
Will employees support each other participating in this initiative?
Is this something that employees want? Have you asked them?
Are there any policies that currently exist that support or contradict this initiative?
Asking these questions each time you plan something new with your workplace wellness committee will ensure that you creating long-lasting impact.
TIP: Add these questions to your workplace wellness committee planning checklist