Washington Workplaces Promote Wellness

City of Spokane

The City of Spokane and Hannah Bachelder, Benefit Specialist and Wellness Coordinator, have taken on the charge of creating a health conscience work culture and wellness program for city employees. The catalyst for the wellness program was with a partnership between the City and Oz Fitness. However, there was no formalized wellness program or way of tracking employee participation or progress. Fortunately, the executive administration was already interested in formalizing a wellness program and eagerly waiting for someone to take on the responsibility. Participation in the Healthiest State Campaign was how the city began formalizing its wellness program.

Only the executive staff members have had a true orientation to the program. However, employee buy in is gradually being gained through large email pushes, flyer distribution, posters, and by word of mouth. As an incentive to participate in the wellness program, Oz Fitness offered to waive the processing fee and provide a discounted rate for City employees. In addition, Oz fitness provides healthy eating brown bag sessions every month at each of the 10 city department locations.

The city has also faced its share of barriers and challenges in developing the wellness program. These challenges included limited communication with employees, a limited budget, and a shortage in staffing for the wellness program. Hannah Bachelder words of wisdom to other cities that are initiating a wellness program include: branch out and talk to others about how they did it; do your research and become as knowledge as possible on employee wellness programs; establish incentives; and, finally, get buy-in from management.

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