Overview

1. Creating An Employee Wellness Program: A Feasiblity StudyENGL 212: Technical WritingKarsten Lawrence

2. Overview • Introduction • Criteria • Methods • Research Results • Conclusions • Recommendations

3. Introduction • Despite all the media coverage about the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States, many individuals continue living a sedentary lifestyle. • Almost 27% of adults in Alaska are obese, and the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults has increased over time. Behind smoking, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths. Being obese can put people at risk for various health conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. I expect the prevalence of obesity among AlcanTel employees is similar to that found in the state. • There is an opportunity to reduce negative health conditions resulting from obesity among AlcanTel employees by promoting active lifestyles and healthy eating habits.

4. Introduction • I examined wellness programs offered by various employers. • I researched common components of wellness programs. • I collected data about what kind of activities employees may be interested in participating in, if such a program were to be created.

5. Criteria of Feasibilty • Is there interest for an employee wellness program among employees? • What level of participation among employees can we expect in the employee wellness program? • What types of health-promoting activities should be incorporated into the wellness program?

6. Methods • A survey was created to attain insight about what kind of activities employees would be interested in seeing in an employer sponsored wellness program. • Students taking Technical Writing English 212 at the University of Alaska Anchorage were surveyed to determine what activities would be popular or desirable. • The survey was created using Qualtronics software and electronically sent to the students. • The survey results yielded ideas about what kind of activities should be considered and incorporated into employee wellness program. • I analyzed the data and formulated recommendations.

7. Primary Research

8. Primary Research

9. Primary Research

10. Conclusions • I conclude that the activities with a high degree of interest should be incorporated into the employee wellness program at Alcan Tel. • Offer nutritional counseling. • Furnish an onsite gym. • Hold seasonal contests that promote physical activity.

11. Recommendations • I strongly recommend creating an employee wellness program at Alcan Tel. • The next step is to create an estimated budget for the company to review. • Getting estimates of the approximate cost to determine if that aligns with the Alcan Tel budget. • The company should also consider evaluating how much office space could be allocated to the program if an onsite gym will be or could be offered as a part of the program. • At this point I believe we should consider sending a survey to the actual employees of Alcan Tel and obtaining their feedback about what health promoting activities should be considered and incorporated into the program.