Introduction
Obesity is a serious public health concern that requires specific recognition and solutions. The case study under analysis introduces Hillyard Companies which penetrated the manufacturing industry in 1907 to provide people with “clean, safe, and healthy facilities” and environmentally friendly products (National Healthy, n.d., p. 1). A human resources wellness coordinator, Carrie Adams, is interested in implementing a health promotion program to improve worksite weight management and predict obesity.
Case Study Summary
Hillyard managers offered wellness activities to employees, but a lack of proper planning and structuring led to poor results. Adams joined the worksite program initiated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to gather enough information about technical assistance and training specifics (National Healthy, n.d.). A baseline assessment revealed current health conditions and behaviors among employees: current smokers (22%), overweight individuals (29%), and obese individuals (45%) (National Healthy, n.d.). The goals were clearly identified: encourage healthy food choices, improve nutritional status, and reduce the percentage of obese employees in the company. A new program, “Live Healthy Hillyard,” had an attractive logo, multiple strategies, activities, and tips (National Healthy, n.d.). Its major components included the change in the working environment (healthy eating promotion), support of physical activities (weight management), involvement of local wellness vendors, and work with the community.
Importance of Addressing Obesity in the Workplace/Community
Discussing obesity in the workplace and community is important for several reasons. First, the number of obese Americans continues to grow dramatically: approximately 42$ during the last five years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Second, these changes cannot be neglected at the workplace because of the possibility of developing new health risks like diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and other chronic conditions (Myers et al., 2021). In the case study, the primary assessment revealed employees with diabetes (7%), high cholesterol levels (7%), and hypertension (16%) (National Healthy, n.d.). Finally, poor health conditions require professional treatment associated with additional medical and productivity costs (Finkelstein et al., 2010, as cited in Myers et al., 2021). Adams also admits the necessity of lowering medical costs and encouraging productivity. Obesity has to be addressed in all communities to understand personal and organizational risks.
Involving Community Stakeholders
The Hillard case study underlines the role of different stakeholders in developing effective interventions and observing program success. Working with local wellness vendors helps the company support employees and choose appropriate nutritional plans and physical activities. Mosaic Life Care is a good partner for Hillard: dietitians share nutritional basics, managers organize weight management classes weekly, and experts educate employees about obesity causes and complications (National Healthy, n.d.). Cooperation with the St. Joseph community restores a work-life balance and supports family involvement in weight loss events (National Healthy, n.d.). All these examples prove that Hillyard should deal with obesity problems alone but address the community to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Motivational Strategies Employed by the Program
The case study supports overweight/obese people by sharing specific motivational strategies to deal with change barriers. Some individuals cannot participate in the program because of shift schedules and poor time management. Hillyard delivered demonstrations and classes during all shifts equally to ensure all employees had a chance to learn the material (National Healthy, n.d.). Financial gains and support also motivated people because the company covered most payments and offered specific benefits (National Healthy, n.d.). Setting clear goals and prioritizing healthy choices play an important role in motivating employees. These steps encouraged the target audience to understand that weight management had its benefits, including health, cooperation, and overall well-being. Offering opportunities for employees to be healthier is associated with the hope of gaining a healthy work environment, quitting smoking, and choosing healthier food regularly.
Conclusion
The program will be effective at helping Hillyard employees be successful and healthy. When people are educated about the benefits of healthy food and physical activity and get a chance to achieve the same goal together, they are properly motivated and supported. Instead of imposing new requirements without any gain, the company focused on financial coverage, introduced new places for training, and considered reliable and professional stakeholders.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Adult obesity facts. CDC. Web.
Myers, S., Govindarajulu, U., Joseph, M. A., & Landsbergis, P. (2021). Work characteristics, body mass index, and risk of obesity: The national quality of work life survey. Annals of Work Exposures and Health, 65(3), 291-306. Web.
National Healthy. (n.d.). Learning to live healthy at Hillyard companies: Case study. CDC. Web.