It’s 10 am at a large law firm. A receptionist is feeling anxious. She’s newly diagnosed with diabetes and needs to see a dietician for eating guidelines, but her insurance doesn’t cover it. A senior partner has been trying to follow doctor’s orders to lose weight and lower her blood pressure. She’s motivated, but not sure she’s on target. And the head of HR has been traveling non-stop for weeks. He needs to find ways to eat right and make time for physical activity on the road.

The people who make up a large law firm bring physical, emotional and mental challenges to work with them every day. These challenges affect their ability to function at their highest level. They also result in greater health costs to both the individual and the firm.

Some law firms have addressed these challenges by implementing Wellness programs and employing health coaches. These firms actively assist attorneys and staff to adopt healthy habits and prevent or manage illness.

What do Wellness programs involve? Here are some frequent features:

1) Firm- supported Wellness departments (often a part of Human Resources) promote health in various ways. They may offer reimbursements for smoking cessation programs and fitness center memberships. They schedule ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and provide on-site flu shots or therapeutic chair massage for stress reduction. They develop health competitions to encourage personnel to try on healthier behaviors for a specified period of time. Examples might be eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day for two weeks or performing 30 minutes of exercise daily for two months. Participants earn incentive prizes for finishing the challenge and meeting agreed upon goals.

2) A Wellness specialist or health coach may be present on- site to take blood pressures, complete workspace ergonomic evaluations, lead walks, and coach people individually to help them develop better health habits. These specialists have experience as registered dieticians, exercise physiologists, behavioral health counselors, or registered nurses.

3) Health screenings are often offered yearly. Most are firm sponsored, held on the premises, and are provided by area hospitals or wellness companies. Screenings may include cholesterol, diabetes, weight, blood pressure, or mammography. They may be partially or fully underwritten by the firm.

4) A firm’s insurance carrier may provide resources for health improvement. These usually include a yearly online Health Risk Appraisal- a confidential health questionnaire that assesses a person’s current health status and highlights areas for improvement. Online health information and telephonic health coaching may also be offered.

Effective Wellness programs are supported by the firm’s top management, have the resources to reach and involve the whole firm, yet are personal and provide support on a one-to- one basis. They are voluntary and respect the confidentiality of each employee, while they address the health deficits and needs of the group as a whole. The Wellness department plans and evaluates their programs and adjusts to best meet the firm’s health needs.

These programs and health professionals don’t take the place of hospitals, clinics, or physician’s offices. However, they do help the concerned receptionist find resources and gain knowledge and skills to manage diabetes. They monitor and guide the partner to stay on track as she changes her habits to lower her blood pressure. And they help the HR director develop health routines that are personal and that work for him, even on the road.

It’s 10 am and people need support. In some firms, Wellness is there.