Worksite Wellness Collabrations: A local board of health perspective

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, persons ages 25 to 54, with children under age 18, spend an average of 8.7 hours working. Since almost 50 hours per week is spent hours working or in work-related activities, worksite wellness is critical in improving the health status of adults in the United States. The DeKalb Healthy Business Council (DHBC) was established in 2008 by the DeKalb County Board of Health. The DHBC supports worksite wellness through, specialized development opportunities, capacity building, dissemination of best practices and opportunities for collaboration. The DHBC is a cooperative of worksites and business entities that represent various sectors, industries and seeks to mirror the diversity of the county. At the quarterly DHBC meetings, policy and environmental strategies are emphasized as a action plan to move local employers beyond health fairs and walking clubs. As a result of the DeKalb Healthy Business Council, there is more local engagement in worksite wellness initatives. Likewise, wellness and human resource professionals identify the local board of health as a valuable resource and partner for improving employee health. In addition, through collaboration and capacity building, several worksites have adopted policies and or instituted environmental changes in their workplace. Over the next year, The DeKalb Healthy Business Council will recruit more diverse employers, like minority and women owned businesses and small businesses.