In June 2016, HRiA facilitated a FAST rapid strategic planning process for the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts (WWCMA). WWCMA is a membership organization offering resources and networking opportunities to help members cultivate and sustain a culture of health and wellness for employees and their families across Massachusetts.
HRiA worked with the WWCMA board to survey their membership, conduct deeper research with key stakeholders, and engage in a comparative analysis of other similar organizations. This assessment positioned WWCMA for a highly productive all-day FAST planning session, attended by approximately 40 professionals including board members, sponsors, and council members – all of whom are volunteers who otherwise might not have been able to participate in all aspects of strategic planning. The session’s rigorous and interactive process “kept the room abuzz all day with idea sharing and discussion,” said one board member. Another board member added that she liked “how the HRiA team facilitated the process at the same time that they let the final product be ours.” Every client and FAST process is unique, and HRiA ensures that strategic planning work and products reflect the input and needs of the client.
Participation in and enthusiasm about the rapid planning process set the stage to implement the Council’s strategic plan, which will guide its work and growth for the next three years. The day-long session resulted in revised mission and vision statements and defined goals, objectives, strategies, and success indicators for four priority areas identified through the data gathering process:
- Program development
- Marketing and communications
- Governance and organization
- Finance and sustainability
HRiA then facilitated an all-day action planning session with the Board of Directors in July to outline specific activities, timelines, and responsibilities for plan implementation. During the interactive action planning process, participants identified several ways they could save time and effort – while also maximizing impact – by working collaboratively across priority areas. The clear, achievable action plan will drive WWCMA’s efforts to meet the goals of their 3-year strategic plan.
