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Library: Policy

OKDHS:2-1-90. Wellness Program

Revised 4-14-03


(a) Wellness Program - general.

  • (1) The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) supports an employee Wellness Program in recognition of the relationship between health and increased productivity, improved morale, and reduced absenteeism.
  • (2) The mission of the program is to provide opportunities and support to employees, encourage them to seek healthy lifestyle choices that promote physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being.
  • (3) The mission of the program is accomplished by:
    • (A) supporting and providing opportunities for all employees to make lifestyle choices that enhance individual quality of life, physical fitness, and job productivity;
    • (B) promoting an organizational environment that enhances emotional and mental well-being;
    • (C) supporting intellectual and professional development;
    • (D) promoting health through activities and educational programs designed to motivate employees to move into optimal health;
    • (E) establishing programs that maintain wellness and enable and encourage employees to take responsibility for their health and well-being; and
    • (F) creating and fostering a work culture in which individual and organizational wellness is highly valued.
  • (4) Each employee receives wellness training no less than once every three months.  Training may include:
    • (A) a formal presentation with a speaker;
    • (B) wellness video tapes; or
    • (C) distribution of wellness information electronically or in paper form.

(b) Administration of the Wellness Program.

  • (1) The Human Resources Management Division (HRMD) oversees the employee Wellness Program.
  • (2) Primary administration of the Wellness Program activities rests with the OKDHS wellness coordinator.  Responsibilities include:
    • (A) designing and implementing programs that focus on enhancing employee wellness;
    • (B) developing, coordinating, sponsoring, and managing employee educational programs;
    • (C) coordinating with OKDHS executive team members on the design, scope, focus, and mission of the employee Wellness Program;
    • (D) establishing, implementing, and coordinating a statewide network of wellness team leaders located in each local worksite;
    • (E) assisting local administrators in implementing wellness programs and activities; and
    • (F) supporting community and state-sponsored activities.
  • (3) The OKDHS wellness coordinator provides guidance and direction for the Wellness Program.  Subcommittees may be formed to ensure representation of employee interests in developing and promoting wellness programs and activities.
  • (4) Each county director, resource center administrator, or local administrator promotes wellness in accordance with the guidelines listed in (A) through (C) of this paragraph.
    • (A) Each local administrator appoints a staff member to serve as the worksite volunteer wellness team leader.
      • (i) In selecting wellness team leaders, a local administrator may consider whether the staff member has:
        • (I) interest in wellness issues;
        • (II) ability to educate and motivate employees;
        • (III) time for wellness team leader responsibilities; and
        • (IV) full support of the immediate supervisor or administrator.
      • (ii) The responsibilities of the wellness team leaders are:
        • (I) serving as liaisons between the worksite and the wellness coordinator;
        • (II) scheduling, arranging, coordinating, and distributing information on wellness activities and programs at their worksites;
        • (III) displaying wellness education posters and flyers;
        • (IV) attending wellness team leader meetings and training, as appropriate;
        • (V) tracking employee participation in wellness activities or programs conducted at their worksites;
        • (VI) maintaining Form HRMD-1, Wellness Activities; and
        • (VII) conducting wellness training for each employee in the workplace no less than once each three-month period.
    • (B) The responsibility of wellness promotion and training rests with the local administrator or his or her assigned wellness team leader.
    • (C) Each institution establishes a wellness committee to assist in the coordination and promotion of the employee Wellness Program.

(c) Employee participation.

  • (1) Employee participation in wellness programs, other than quarterly training, is voluntary.
  • (2) Wellness training is provided during employee duty hours.  Employee participation in wellness training and other wellness activities is documented by the wellness team leader.
  • (3) Other wellness programs may be provided during employees' duty hours at the discretion of the local administrator.  Programs that are part of authorized OKDHS training and education are provided during employees' duty hours.
  • (4) OKDHS employees may participate in:
    • (A) the Wellness Program's wellness check, which includes a health screening with a follow-up to explain the results;
    • (B) wellness program-sponsored health and safety fairs during duty hours; and
    • (C) wellness activities that are not developed or sponsored by OKDHS only during off-duty hours.  This includes activities such as exercise classes and weight management programs.

(d) Employee-instructors.

  • (1) OKDHS employees with knowledge and training in health and wellness techniques and processes may serve as volunteer instructors with appropriate supervisory approval.
  • (2) Wellness volunteer instructors conduct workshops as in-service training.  Employees, with approval of their supervisor, may attend wellness workshops as in-service training.  

(e) Risk and safety management and workers' compensation.

  • (1) A successful wellness program facilitates healthier employees and a safer workplace.  Wellness coordinators are encouraged to work with the Risk and Safety Management Section, Office Support Services Division, in the coordination of workplace and employee wellness and to minimize workers' compensation claims.
  • (2) Employees injured in a wellness activity during duty hours and on OKDHS premises are covered under workers' compensation provisions.
  • (3) Employees injured while participating in recreational or fitness activities, which are conducted during off-duty hours, including lunch, or held outside OKDHS premises, or held without the advance approval of the local administrator, are not covered under the workers' compensation provisions.

(f) Use of facilities.

  • (1) The worksite is an ideal location for health promotion.  It offers access for employees, provides a support system to help employees improve their lifestyle, and is a focal point for raising the level of health and fitness.
  • (2) OKDHS facilities may be used by employees for wellness programs and activities unless such programs or activities interfere with the use of such facilities by clients.  Approval for use of a facility is obtained from the appropriate local administrator prior to use.
  • (3) Employees using on-site facilities for physical activities, such as exercise classes, use appropriate action and follow all posted rules and guidelines.
  • (4) Each employee who participates in exercise or physical fitness activities at an OKDHS facility during off-duty hours or lunch must sign a statement waiving any liability to OKDHS or its personnel in the event that damages or physical injuries occur.
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