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.

Top of Page