New county commission implements wellness program, fitness challenge
Marion County Commission approved a day off with pay Monday as an incentive for county employees who succeed in a fitness challenge.
Three county employees that comprise a wellness committee presented information to the commission regarding a health and fitness program.
Employees will be given the opportunity to enroll in the program to encourage a healthy lifestyle at home and on the job.
Dana Wear said the program will target safety such as wearing seat belts while traveling in an automobile, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and exercising.
Wear and committee members Noreen Weems and Faye Makovec wanted to offer an incentive to employees who successfully complete the program.
Points will be awarded for various activities such as annual examinations, seat belt usage, losing weight or maintaining desired weight, not smoking, exercising, and eating healthy.
Participants would report information to a committee member. When the employee achieves the necessary points, he will receive a day off from work that will not count toward sick or vacation leave.
An employee only can accumulate one day off in a 12-month period.
Wear said the committee hopes this program will build camaraderie among employees and lead to fewer missed days from work due to illness.
Employees will have until Feb. 7 to sign up. The program will begin Feb. 14. There is a $10 fee for a T-shirt.
Dallke said he would like to see it tried for two years and reviewed at that time.
