Posts from — January 2009

A gap analysis is an assessment tool that enables a organization to compare its current capabilities and performance with industry benchmarks and expectations for performance. A gap analysis is used to identify areas that have room for improvement.

Gap analysis can also be used for your Wellness Program to determine where the program stands now and how the Wellness Program can better follow evidence-based recommendations.

To begin a gap analysis, ask these simple questions about your Corporate Health Promotion Program:
• What is the current state of the Corporate Health Promotion Program?
• How does the Wellness Program measure up to evidence-based practices? (i.e., the desired state)

The gap is the difference between the current and desired states.

After the gap has been identified, the next step is to determine the action steps that are needed to close the gap. These actions answer the question: “How can the Wellness Program move forward towards the desired state?”

Sometimes the gaps that need to be filled can be addressed through Wellness Program changes; other gaps might require policy changes. However, using a gap analysis will help you identify areas for Wellness Program improvement as well as the actions needed to make progress towards those goals.