Program Design
The focus of a workforce health promotion (WHP) program can vary due to
many factors, including type of organization, workforce diversity,
resources, and leadership support. Program design provides an opportunity
to plan a WHP program and position it within the organization’s overall
mission. This increases the potential that program objectives will be
realized, such as improving employee health and productivity and reducing
medical care expenses for the employer and employee.
This Web site serves to introduce certain concepts, provide resources for
more detailed information on program design, and link program planners to
practical resources. It is not intended to serve as a definitive
text on designing and implementing WHP programs.
This section is organized into four broad categories of program design activities:
Planning
These activities involve setting objectives and goals for the WHP program that are in harmony with an organization's unique mission.
Planning 101
Overview of the importance of program planning and important attributes of a comprehensive WHP program.Funding Opportunities for WHP
Limited funding is often one of the biggest challenges facing new and existing WHP programs. Funding for your program may be available through various government, research, and philanthropic organizations.Logic Models
Tools that can be used to reach consensus on goals and objectives, and incorporate the vision of management and employees into a roadmap for the WHP program.
Planning Resources
Publications that provide guidance on overall WHP, including planning tools, program guides, and health data.
Needs
Assessment
These
activities involve assessing employee needs and interests, the workplace
environment, and available resources.
When selecting needs assessment tools, be aware that many tools assess
topics from more than one of the categories described below.
Needs Assessment 101
Overview of needs assessment activities and examples of tools that can assist WHP planners.Employee Input
There are many ways to ask employees about their needs and interests, including through an informal employee feedback box, wellness committees, or formalized surveys.Health risk appraisals are used to assess health risk factors.
Employee surveys are used to assess WHP health needs and interests.
Wellness committees enable direct employee input on program design.
Cost Calculators
Tools that help employers estimate the costs of lifestyle factors and preventable diseases for their employees. These cost estimates can be used to justify WHP programs.
Environmental Audits
Questionnaires that assess aspects of the physical work environment, such as access to nutritional foods and opportunities for physical activity.Policies
A policy assessment can identify specific policies that impact WHP programs.
Implementation
These activities involve setting WHP priorities, designing program practices, assigning resources, and developing an implementation plan.
Implementation Resources
Publications that can provide guidance and tools for use when planning, designing, and implementing program practices.Staffing
This page provides information on continuing education for WHP staff and selecting WHP vendors.
Evaluation
These activities involve analyzing the results achieved in the WHP program, determining if they meet goals and objectives, and identifying what was successful and what needs to be improved. Evaluation is not a one-time action but should be an ongoing activity in health promotion programs.
Award Opportunities in WHP
Anyone who wants to seek recognition for their organization’s WHP program can find information here on award opportunities offered by a broad range of organizations and agencies.Evaluation Resources
Publications that can provide guidance on evaluation activities.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
