Do the Important Things and Do Them “Well”

Do the Important Thingsand Do Them “Well” William B. Baun, EPD, CWP, FAWHPPresident National Wellness InstituteManager, Wellness Program MD Anderson Cancer Center

“Inspiring Positive Change”

Ben Franklin “Well done is better than well said.” “Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”

Donald Clifton: “What would happen if we studied what was right with people?”

Achiever – constant need for achievement Activator – impatient for action Adaptability – live in the moment Analytical – always asking others “prove it” Arranger – natural conductor Belief – enduring core values Command – take charge person Communication – explain, describe, speak Competition – performance of others Connectedness – we are all connected Consistency – balance is important Context – you look back / present Deliberative – careful, vigilant Developer – see the potential of others Discipline – order & planning Empathy – sense emotions around you Focus – need for a clear destination Futuristic – love to peer over horizon Harmony – look for areas of agreement Ideation – fascinated by ideas & connection Includer – stretch the circle wide Individualization – keen observer of strengths Input – inquisitive & collect things Intellection – like to think, exercise your brain Learner – love to learn Maximizer – excellence is your measure Positivity – generous with praise, quick to smile Relator – pulls you toward people you know Responsibility – emotionally bound Restorative – love to solve problems Self-Assurance – faith in your strengths Significance – want to be recognized Strategic – sort through clutter find best route Woo – enjoy winning others over Strengths 1) Write down the words that feel like you 2) Pick 5 3) Pick the 1 – 2 that feel like they drive your life daily

Good programs just don’t happen….. • They are a combination of….. • Individual commitment • Teamwork • Persistence • Creativity & innovation • Passion for wellness • Strong program foundation

What would happen if we studied what was good about wellness programs? December 2010 What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs? “The ROI data will surprise you and the softer evidence may inspire you.” Leonard L. Berry, Ph.D. Texas A&MAnn M. Mirabito, Ph.D. BaylorWilliam B. Baun, EPD, MDACC

Successful Wellness Programs Characterized by a culture of health….. “In a culture of health, employee well-being and organizational success are inextricably linked. It aligns leadership, benefits, policies, incentives, programs and environmental supports to reduce barriers to active engagement and sustainability of healthy lifestyles across the healthcare continuum.” “Wellness has become a business priority.” Catherine Baase, Global Medical Director Dow

Companies speak of culture of health as a paradigm shift they believe will reap both short and long term positive return-on-investment (ROI)…..

Corporate climate and culture have significant influence on the shaping of health behaviors and practices of employees!

Foundations of a Successful Program Alignment Accessibility Partnerships Multilevel Leadership Scope, Relevance, Quality Communications

Multilevel LeadershipCulture of health takes passionate, persistent, & persuasive leadership….. • C-suite – “walks the talk”, policies & mandates, shows an interest in employees wellness behaviors – “how’s your wellness” • Middle Managers – shaping mini-wellness cultures • Wellness Coordinators – expert who develops, coordinates a comprehensive program connected to company culture and strategies • Wellness Champions – volunteer wellness ambassadors serving as on-the-ground encouragement, education & mentoring

Developing Leadership Roles… • Sharing the wellness program vision- connection to organizational goals- alignment with vision, mission • Serving as a role model- share enthusiasm for being healthy- sharing story- participating in program activities • Resource commitment- budget - supportive policies / processes • Help remove political / barriers • Reward Success- recognize group / individual progress- track impact / outcomes - celebrate success- honor those involved in program delivery Promising practices?

Alignment Wellness - natural extension of a firm’s identity & aspirations….. • Planning and Patience – look for way to permeate the culture with wellness, emphasize early communications & clear explanations, develop a long-term comprehensive strategy • Carrots not Sticks – positive incentives promote trust & provide employees choices • Complement to Business Practices – wellness programming must make business sense // sustaining a healthy, talented, satisfied labor pool is a matter of corporate responsibility & business necessity Promising practices?

Scope, Relevance, and Quality Employee wellness needs vary tremendously….. • More than Cholesterol – think beyond diet & exercise, stress & depression major sources of lost productivity • Individualization – online health risk assessment combined with biometric data • Signature Program – high profile, high quality initiative fosters employee pride & involvement • Fun – never forget the pleasure principles in wellness initiatives • High Standards – health related services are personal, employees won’t use substandard services, “no one will come for free and lousy” Promising practices?

Policies that support work life balance Brand our program as a key “employer of choice” benefit “Whole person” focus – emotional health, a climate of safety Ensure 24/7 access Obtain senior and middle management sponsorship Create value with departmental programming Target hard-to-reach and high risk groups Cultural and environmental focus Program Model that Fits the Culture Behavior Change Awareness Individuals Customized Div/ Dept Interventions Targeted Groups Environmental Support

Core Factors ImpactingIndividual Behavior Changeand Creating Cultures of Health Promising practices? Behavior Change &Culture of Health Opportunity 40% Self confidence Action Skill 25% Support Behavioral efficacy Self efficacy Motivation readiness 30% Knowledge Awareness 5% Modified from O’Donnell WELCOA (2010)

Accessibility Convenience matters….. • True On-Site Integration – carefully consider your wellness model & how best to integrate it across your company culture • Going Mobile – high tech tools (virtual wellness programs & online resources) not only deliver the wellness message & provide individuals tracking tools & individual reports, but also compliment the high touch programs that unite individuals in a culture of health Promising practices?

Stretching the Traditional Wellness Elements….. Meditation Lactation Rooms Yoga Indoor Bike Barn Beyond Salad Massage Salsa Classes Community Garden Laughter Yoga Tai Chi & Qigong Promising practices? Pilates

Partnerships • Internal Partnerships – help wellness gain credibility • External Partnerships – enable staff to benefit from vendor competencies & infrastructure without the extra investment • Leveraging Resources – internal & external partnerships help grow & maintain comprehensive programs Promising practices?

Communications Must overcome individual apathy and personal health sensitivity factors….. • Tailor Messages - to fit the intended audience, hone effective practices overtime • Media Diversity – use a variety of different communication tools to reach the audience • Embedded Wellness Clues – wellness needs to become a “viral thing” spreading throughout the workplace Promising practices? Mass Marketing Developing Social Networks

Important things to do “well”! Multilevel Leadership Partnerships Program Success Alignment Scope, Relevance, Quality Communications Accessibility

“Texas: It’s like a whole other country.” State Tourism Slogan • 2nd largest economy in nation & 15th in world based on gross domestic product • Home of 6 of top 50 Fortune 500, and 51 overall behind New York and California • Largest exporter in USA grossing $100b+ • One of 7 states with out an income tax • Local tax burden among 7th lowest in the nation • Property taxes are among the highest in the nation • Most farms both in number and acreage in the nation • Home of 2 of Army’s largest facilities (Fort Hood and Bliss) and largest medical center in the world (TMC) • Texans consume most energy in nation • Austin nicknamed “Silicon Hills” & leading filmmaking locations in the nation Wikipedia: Economy of Texas

Commit to inspire positive change by making important things happen….. • Individual commitment • Teamwork • Persistence • Creativity & innovation • Passion for wellness • Strong program foundation

What’s one action you will immediately implement?

Do the Important Things and Do Them “Well”