By Cliff Foster

Respondents to an employee wellness survey are interested in exercising more and losing weight and are willing to invest time, and perhaps money, in health and fitness programs.

More than half of the 212 respondents said they are likely or extremely likely to participate in nutrition and stress management programs. On the latter issue, about three-quarters reported that work is the major stress in their lives, followed by personal issues and finances.

The survey was drafted and sent out via email in October by the Wellness Committee made up of representatives from Human Resources, the Faculty Senate, Classified Staff Council, Council of Administrators, the Auraria Health Center, Campus Recreation and the departments of Human Performance and Sport, Health Professions and others. The committee is currently considering health and fitness programs based on the data, such as walking programs and nutrition presentations.

The survey reflects a growing awareness by the University that promoting a healthy lifestyle is a benefit to both the workforce as well as the institution.

“It helps people deal with stress and maintaining their health. It can help with productivity, reduce occurrences of illness and contribute to greater well-being. It can help lower health care costs for employees and the organization,” says Marilyn Hoffman, employee development and outreach coordinator in Human Resources.

Respondents expressed a willingness to commit to improving their health. When asked, “At this point in your life, how would you rate your degree of commitment to achieving the change you desire?”, 75 percent said they are committed or very committed.

Another question asked, “If the fee is reasonable for the course or training, would you be willing to pay to gain access to such programs?” The response: 78 percent said yes as long as they saw value in the program. Hoffman called that a “very encouraging” finding.

As a follow-up to the survey, the Wellness Committee is raising awareness of various state and campus health-related programs. And it is exploring partnerships with the University’s health insurers to sponsor programs that “benefit both our employees and our organization as a whole,” Hoffman says.

For the top survey results, click here.