In October and November OPM will again offer an online tool called WellCheck for agencies to self-assess their employee health and wellness programs.
“This evidence-based tool helps agencies determine how effective their worksite health and wellness programs are in developing a healthy workforce,” a memo to agencies says, noting that support for such programs is an element of the Federal Workforce Priorities plan that OPM issued earlier this year.
Such programs, which OPM has been pushing for many years as a way to hold down costs to both the government and enrollees in the FEHB program, also “assist with government-wide efforts to improve employee engagement,” it said.
In 2016, 361 worksites from 42 agencies participated in the WellCheck assessment, which measures 131 workplace strategies, OPM said. “On average, agencies scored the highest in addressing vaccine-preventable diseases, occupational health and safety, and tobacco-free living. Agencies had the most room for improvement in the areas of nutrition, lactation support, and organizational supports,” it said.
OPM said its Work-Life office will contact agency worksite health and wellness coordinators to request information on participating worksites and points of contact. OPM also will host a training session on how to complete the survey and will provide other guidance.