Start small as you build a wellness program, especially if you don't have much of a budget.

That’s the advice Barbara Cecil (left), director of human resources for Maps Credit Union, Salem, Ore., offered attendees of a CUNA HR/TD Council Conference breakout session last week.

“Take baby steps,” she says. “First, we offered flu shots through our insurer. And then we did a 10,000-steps program; we purchased inexpensive pedometers for $1 and gave them to employees. We set up a competition among departments to further engage staff.”

Nicole Colgan (right), HR/employment development director for TwinStar Credit Union, Lacey, Wash., notes that her department plans challenges around national health days.

Creativity can lure people in, she adds. To introduce the program to employees, the credit union launched a series of humorous videos, including scenes with the CEO. Another strategy to create staff buy-in and engagement: Invite the doubters to join your wellness team.