Wellness defined: what a workplace-wellness program might include.

• Position: Employee wellness programs benefit particular workforce

It doesn't take much convincing for businesses to appreciate the benefits of wellness in the workplace. It's more a question of deciding which employee wellness programs will most benefit a particular workforce. The needs of a tool-and-die maker are different than those of a telephone customer-service center. Is the workforce predominately young or old? Single or married? Involved with heavy lifting? Or under tremendous stress?

An increasing array of customized and innovative employee-wellness programs are offered by health-care providers, consultants, health-insurance plans and fitness centers. Often, these entities overlap in programs, services and expertise.

Following are explanations of some of the more common elements that a workplace-wellness program might incorporate:

* Wellness feasibility study--Consultants can help companies determine the need for an in-house fitness center or a comprehensive wellness program by conducting a feasibility study. Information may be gathered by computerized interest surveys, interviews, focus groups and on-site inspections. A program manager from the consulting firm may also be assigned to implement a comprehensive health-risk reduction program. A review of disability, worker's compensation and medical claims helps formulate a winning strategy. Monitoring employee exposure to occupational hazards is important, too.

* Comprehensive personal wellness profile--Providers administer a variety of tests and provide a confidential report to employees. Using a combination of tools, they give employees a comprehensive picture of their personal wellness. Employers, meanwhile, may receive an analysis detailing common areas of concern revealed by such testing.

* Health screenings -- These are a component of the wellness profile that is a part of many workplace-wellness programs. Screenings may cover blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, blood typing, body fat analysis, health-risk analysis, peak flow, oxygen saturation, pulmonary-function testing, hearing testing, vision testing and EKGs. Lipid screenings assess total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, information that can help predict the risk for cardiovascular disease. Glucose screenings measure fasting blood sugar, a key value related to diabetes. Blood-pressure monitoring also can help manage cardiovascular disease risk.

* Education and training--Learning is a major component of wellness. Programs frequently include...