Wellness definitions

1) General: Wellness is considered to be an active process of becoming aware of and learning to make choices (healthy choices) that lead toward a longer and more successful existence.

2) The American Heritage Medical Dictionary: The condition of good physical, mental and emotional health, especially when maintained by an appropriate diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications.

3) 2001 U.S. Presidents Council on Physical Fitness: Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.

4) Singapore-based National Wellness Association: Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

5) World Health Organization: Wellness is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups. There are two focal concerns: the realization of the fullest potential of an individual physically, psychologically, socially, spritually and economically, and the fullfilment of one’s role expecations in family, community, place of worship, workplace and other settings.

Workplace wellness definitions

1) General: A workplace wellness program is a health promotion activity or organization-wide policy designed to support healthy behavior and improve health outcomes while at work. These programs consist of activities such as health education and coaching, weight management programs, health fairs, medical screenings, on-site fitness programs, and more.

2) From Wellness.com: Having a true Corporate Wellness program means supporting every employee in the improvement or maintenance of their current state of health. This includes mental, physical, and emotional support to guide employees toward positive lifestyle changes. And everyone knows that healthy employees make productive companies.

In order to realize the benefits, a company must implement a complete Corporate Wellness program that uses a comprehensive, systematic approach that is put into place over an extended period of time. This approach should involve three essential elements: an assessment of each employee, education on various health and wellness topics, and programs and services that facilitate positive lifestyle change.