GMHC campaign promotes staff wellness
From left, GMHC employees Cindy Schultz and Robin Strahl work on holding a plank position in the hallway as part of the hospital's campaign to promoted wellness. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Last fall, during their strategic planning workshop, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) recognized the benefit of creating a challenge-based program to promote and encourage health and wellness among staff members.
GMHC understands the stress healthcare workers experience. “We want our staff and potential employees to know we support physical and mental health,” says Director of Marketing and Development Amy Speed. “If our staff members are healthier, they are more productive, focused and energized. Monthly wellness initiatives enhance recruitment and retention, is an attractive benefit, and aligns with our mission to partner with the community on their health and wellness journey.”
Each employee who completes the challenge will be in a drawing for a prize for that month’s challenge As an additional incentive, staff members who complete the challenges all 12 months have a chance to win 40 hours of paid time off. If they complete both monthly challenges their name is placed in the drawing twice. They keep track of their progress on an accountability form. “Staff members have become really motivated,” commented Speed. “We are not making these challenges easy, but with effort, are within our staff's reach.”
In January, participating staff members are working toward holding a plank for two minutes, and eliminating sugar from their diet. In February, American Heart Month, staff are challenged to take 50,000 steps a week and unplug from all electronic devices for 30 minutes each day. March will address nutritional needs by encouraging the consumption of five fruits and vegetables a day, plus 10 minutes of yoga. April includes a burpee challenge, and to journal, meditate, or read a non-fiction book for 10 minutes a day.
“These challenges promote overall wellness, and build on each other,” Speed noted. “By the time participants get to the Couch to 5K challenge in June they will be ready!”
Keep track of the challenge, or join in from home by following the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Facebook page.
