Ever since I began blogging and caring more about my own health, I’ve longed for my employer to implement a wellness program like WellNow or something similar (I’ve written about health in the work place previously here).

Although we still don’t have a program quite like that, I have noticed a few health-related changes around the facility, and I’m proud of the company for moving in this direction. (Maybe they found out I have a healthy living blog and figured they ought to listen to my wisdom—just kidding!)

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Whether it’s simply because of new requirements resulting from the Affordable Care Act or an edict from corporate offices, I hope the company continues to value its employees’ health.

A few changes I’ve noticed:

1. On Wednesdays, a mobile health clinic is set up on facility grounds. Employees who don’t have time to visit a primary care doctor can make basic appointments here that are covered by our insurance. I actually had my free wellness exam this past Wednesday. I haven’t had a physical in years, and since the company was offering a discount on our health insurance and one free exam per year, I figured I’d take advantage. Lucky for me, I’m as healthy as a horse (although I felt like a human pin cushion after they finally drew blood on the 3^rd attempt).

2. Throughout the cafeteria and break rooms, there are posters and table-toppers advertising new, “healthier” vending machine options and encouraging better choices. While I’m not sure exactly how nutritious a bag of crackers is compared to a bag of chips, I am glad to see these.

3. This is the best change, by far: in 2014, our facility will become 100% smoke (and tobacco) free. While I believe the rules are a bit strict by forbidding electronic cigarettes (I’ve never been a smoker, but I imagine these are quite helpful when trying to quit), I’m ecstatic that I will no longer have to hold my breath when walking by certain areas or step over ugly piles of cigarette butts. I know it’s going to be difficult for many employees, but most companies are trending this way and we’ve long known the ill effects of tobacco use.

Even with these positive steps, there are a few more changes I’d like to see.

1. Company-wide “biggest loser” competitions or a walk-a-thon (like a neighboring company did this past Spring). It’s one thing to tell your employees about wellness, but it’s another to provide a means of achieving or improving it. (A few treadmill desks wouldn’t hurt either!) 😉

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2. Along the same lines, I’d like to see fewer people using golf-carts and cars to traverse the facility and more people walking! Though some departments and employees require vehicles to transport equipment, parts, etc. to other areas, there are many that don’t. This would especially benefit office personnel (like me) who spend most of their days sitting. How awesome would it be to have walking meetings?

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3. Even though there are posters sharing information about healthy choices, I’d like to see fewer food trucks parked on the facility and more healthy food options available. It’s wonderful the company allows these choices (we have a cafeteria as well as a few outside vendors who sell food during lunch), but it would be nice for the cafeteria caterer to offer more salad options or fresh fruit in the “grab-and-go” section. Of course, I bring my lunch every day, so this doesn’t really affect me.

With all that said, I’m glad to see these changes. Preventative care is something the nation as a whole must embrace, and I truly believe our employers (and schools, churches, etc.) have at least partial responsibility in improving America’s collective health.

Does your employer have a health or wellness program?

What are some things you do at work to maintain your own health?