Q: What is this all about – in one simple sentence?
A: When a critical mass of Milwaukee employers implement comprehensive employee wellness programs, meeting established Well Workplace criteria, Milwaukee will be designated as a Well City USA.

Q: My employer already has an established wellness program. Why get involved?
A: Get involved for the good of your employees and for the good of the City. Working towards Well Workplace designation will enhance the quality of your program and it can be an additional human resource recruitment tool for your employer. Participating CEO’s find great value in being a part of the leadership group that is committed to transforming the health of our community.

Q: Isn’t this just a glamorized, feel good, award program?
A: Absolutely not. The Well Workplace award criteria provide a framework for developing and implementing a quality, results-driven employee wellness program that will improve employee health and demonstrate a return on investment.

Q: Will the Well City USA designation really mean anything?
A: Well City status will set a new social norm for our community related to healthy lifestyles. It will reinforce existing healthy lifestyle behaviors and activities and also serve as a catalyst for new initiatives. The potential ripple effect on community health, health care costs, employer bottom line, the image of Milwaukee, and city and regional economic development is tremendous.

Q: What is the cost to be a part of Well City Milwaukee?
A: After submitting a CEO letter of commitment it is required that an employer joins the Wellness Council of Wisconsin. The annual membership fee is $495, which entitles you to a wealth of valuable resources, mentoring meetings and consultations. The Well Workplace Award application and trophy are also provided at no additional charge. What you budget for your own employee wellness program is up to you. Research indicates $150 per employee per year is a suggested investment that can yield a 3:1 ROI. Considering the cost of illness, it might cost you more if you don’t join in.

Q: Do you really need more employers to join?
A: Yes. Every commitment to Well City Milwaukee increases our momentum, strengthens the workplace wellness movement, improves employee health and establishes member employers as strong community leaders in health and wellness.

Q: Can my company still join?
A: Yes. If your employee wellness program is non-existent, or in early development, join immediately to get started on the right track and capitalize on the expertise and support available. If you have some components of a program in place, join now to insure you have the necessary structure, sequencing and program components to meet the Well Workplace criteria. Don’t hesitate! After summer of ’08 it might be too late.

Q: Can an employer join if they are outside of the City of Milwaukee?
A: Yes. We have several employers outside the city limits who are participating because they believe strongly in the value of this initiative. We also foresee this project expanding beyond Milwaukee to the surrounding region after Well City Milwaukee is achieved and we will need the interest and participation of even more employers at that time.