Is Health Promotion a Journey or a Destination?

Abstract

Recent data on our progress in workplace-based health promotion should keep us grounded as we consider whether we are on track to planned destinations. One recent survey suggests employees view worksite wellness as a valuable employee benefit but another survey suggests employees are dissatisfied with their employers’ wellness offerings. What explains these differences? Is the program driven by a plan? Is the plan relevant to the company’s priorities? Was the plan developed using participatory planning principles?” A participant centered health promotion initiative means deciding a destination and planning how to get there alongside those you aspire to serve. This approach is far more likely to lead to alternative routes and, often, untested sources of data for finding the way. The urgent opportunity for workplace-based program planners is that of strategic planning that is guided by a continuous review of credible metrics such as those offered in best practices scorecards.