No 2009 funds for Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative, but support still available.

The Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative (HWFI) was discontinued for 2009 due to budget considerations. In the past, Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative dollars were included in departmental budgets and were allocated at the rate of $25 per benefits eligible employee. These funds allowed for expenditures at the department level to support Eat Smart, Move More and Stress Less programs and education. Work groups used it for things such as yoga, tai chi and spinning classes; nutritional seminars; onsiteproduce delivery; and stress management instruction. Departmental participation reached as high as 85% in 2007.

While the funding is no longer available, King County’s Health Reform Initiative still supports Eat Smart, Move More and Stress Less programs at county worksites.

• Published Healthy Meeting Guidelines help departments determine appropriate food to provide at meetings
• Weight Watchers at Work ® meetings are currently held at county worksites
• Many county vending machines now offer healthier options for employees
• Employees may self-pay for physical activity instruction onsite through a published HR Bulletin
• walking maps have been created for some county worksites and some buildings have formed walking groups and stairwell use challenges
• onsite Activity Centers have been established and continue to be supported
• Departments may use the HRI Master Vendor list to find an instructor for stress management techniques and other topics. 
• Worksite posters have been created and are available to worksites promoting stair use and healthy food choices. 
• King County is partnering with the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) to provide an onsite pilot program that offers support to parents of young children.

The Health Reform Initiative 2009 work plan includes additional measures to support employee choices to Eat Smart, Move More and Stress Less in the workplace. Many of these programs are possible because of groundwork laid through Healthy Workplace Funding Initiative purchases and feedback. We are sad to see the program go, but thankful for the strong foundation it provided to support employees.

If your workgroup would like additional support to help employees Eat Smart, Move More and Stress Less, help may be available.  E-mail caroline.hughes@kingcounty.gov or call 206-263-6085. 

Please visit the Health Reform Initiative Website for historical information on the program.