What is a vitality program?
A vitality program or vitality policy is set up by companies to shape concrete objectives in the area of sustainable employability. The targets in a vitality program can differ per organization, but are in any case aimed at creating a safe and healthy working environment and increasing the vitality (life force) of employees. Specific goals that can be set include, for example, increasing retention, employability and/or the resilience of employees.
The objectives in a vitality program are in any case aimed at creating a safe and healthy working environment and increasing the vitality (life force) of employees.
Why is a vitality program for employees important?
Establishing a concrete vitality policy is of essential importance for every company. It provides a clear point on the horizon, it motivates you as an employer to really get started with sustainable employability and it provides the support needed to work together on the set goals.
An increase in vitality has an impact on the entire functioning of an organization. A vital employee who feels involved with your organization will perform much better, is less ill and more balanced. A workplace full of motivated employees also creates a pleasant working atmosphere and ultimately a profitable and future-proof organization!
Essentially, a vitality program is focused on the sustainable employability and vitality of employees on a professional level. But to a certain extent, as an employer you must also take into account employees' private circumstances and wishes in your vitality policy. By choosing a holistic approach you ultimately ensure that people can work longer in a healthy, productive and enjoyable way.
Action plan for vitality policy: 5 steps
Curious about the action plan for a vitality policy? A vitality program isn't built in a day and it's not set in stone. It always starts with a strategic action plan. Map which internal and external factors are relevant to your organization (for example aging workforce, sickness absence, performance capacity, etc.) and to what extent these factors may impact your business objectives. Based on this, you'll know exactly where your focus areas lie. We give you 5 steps for a solid action plan for a practical vitality policy:
1. Involve the management team in the process
Only if everyone, including management, is aware of the importance of a good vitality policy, will this not only remain a policy but also be implemented.
2. Create buy-in among employees
Ask them for input, communicate regularly and make the vitality program interactive.
3. Enlist the help of a professional vitality partner
Someone who specializes in sustainable employability and vitality can be of great value: why reinvent the wheel if someone has already done this for you?
4. Turn strategic goals into practically executable actions
And make sure you work on this regularly and purposefully.
5. Appoint an (interim) ‘Chief Vitality Officer’ where possible
This can monitor the entire process and keep vitality on the agenda throughout the organization.
