Put into action your communication activities.
You are now ready to put into action your program. Before you start, you may want to develop an implementation plan with a list of activities, a timeline, resources, and person in charge. You will want to communicate with employees before the program begins to make them aware about the program and encourage them to participate. After the program, evaluate the results and between program activities maintain employee interest and remind them of the resources your program offers. It might be helpful to use Single Overriding Health Communication Objective worksheet. This document (in the resource list) will help you, your staff, and partners deliver clear and consistent messages about your health communication activities to people within and outside your organization.
Raise employees’ awareness of your wellness program or a new activity
If you have a new or improved wellness program or offering, you will want your employees to know about it and be motivated to learn more. The following are some ways you can do this:
Develop and maintain employee interest and motivation in your program offerings
Once you have kicked off your activity, it is important to continue communicating with employees to keep them interested and motivated to participate in your activities.
Develop a timeline or calendar for ongoing communications.
Timing is important. Too many simultaneous messages are confusing, and too little advance notice will result in a lack of event participation. Develop a year-round plan for health promotion and communication for maximum effect and efficiency.
Make a list of health communications and events that you will be offering, record their dates on a calendar, and develop promotions for them. Also, consider national observances related to different health topics. For example, National Diabetes Month occurs in November and the American Diabetes Alert occurs the fourth Tuesday in March each year. You may also choose to record the open enrollment period for health benefits and any health fairs or other health information events that will be offered at your company.
People at risk for diabetes and those with diabetes will benefit from a health communication calendar that includes the following topics:
Make sure you regularly provide new and engaging content, such as news and personal stories about the wellness program, new tips on healthy lifestyle behaviors, and pictures from events.