Drug Education and Intervention in the Workplace

Every worksite will have employees who won’t participate in offered workplace wellness activities. But these same employees may be following countless healthy practices in their daily living. A great wellness program must give these people credit and recognition for their great work.

Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal execution is a good approach for reinforcing what people are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who don’t like group activities. Suggested steps for individual goals and recognition include:
• A form employees can fill out which includes the set goal(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic goals/objectives, as people often overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s good to remind staff members “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee goal forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each member’s intention date. This reminder might be a copy of their original intention form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their intention(s): completed the intention, need an extension, or have discontinued the intention.
• When the form is returned from an employee:
   1. If an employee has completed the goal, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the goal (if possible).
   2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the objective, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to advocate the employee.
   3. If the intention is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and bolster the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set objectives any time and as frequently as they want.