Wellness Model Project - California WorksWell

STATEWIDE WELLNESS COMMITTEE -- 1995

Specifically, the mission of the Committee is to promote healthy lifestyles in order to improve the physical health and mental well-being of the State work force and prevent illness and disability. The Committee works in partnership with the State's health care providers to support and enhance healthy lifestyle choices, develop a core health promotion program for all State agencies, and assist departments with individual programs that will enhance employee awareness and support their participation in healthier lifestyle choices.

In developing goals for the Statewide Wellness Program, the model program proposal that was developed by the Joint Labor/Management Health Benefits Cost Containment Committee was used as a resource by the Committee. The Committee has identified six major categories of activity as follows: (l) exercise and fitness, (2) food and diet, (3) health screening, (4) education/employee awareness, (5) funding, and (6) evaluation. A detailed listing of specific goals related to these categories is included ( Appendix B).

In March 1996, DPA with the support of the Committee, sponsored an Executive Forum titled "Performance Under Pressure: Strategies for Achieving a Healthy Balance". The forum was a "kick off" event to further educate and gain the support of State department directors and top level managers. The purpose of the forum was to enhance management's commitment to well-being, stress management, leisure time, positive interaction with employees and general balance in life and work. Two hundred and sixty two top level managers attended the Forum.