The City of Portland in Maine, US is investing in a customised wellness programme, which it will make available to its workforce.

The local government authority has appointed corporate health specialist Wellness Workdays to create the programme, which will include "integrated technology and a hands-on approach".

It will provide each employee with a wellness portal that will provide one-on-one health coaching and an outcomes-based programmes.

The 1,000+ workforce will also be given opportunities to participate in wellness activities and education related to preventive and self-care, nutrition, physical activity, resilience, financial wellness, sleep and smoking cessation.

It means that each city department – from the police, parks, recreation and libraries to public works, long-term care centers and City Hall staff – will have access to wellness initiatives.

A "robust and intuitive" portal provides personalised strategies, education and fun challenges while allowing employees to track their progress, sync fitness devices, communicate with health coaches and access a wealth of wellness content.

The corporate wellness scheme forms a key part of the authority's strategy to "better manage healthcare costs while improving employee wellbeing".

"We selected Wellness Workdays because it was important that our wellness partner understand our needs and diverse population and be able to provide the strategy and roadmap to help us engage our employees and help them live their healthiest lives," said Lynne Gaudette, director of occupational health and safety, City of Portland.

Debra Wein, CEO of Wellness Workdays, added: "Our team is working closely with all City departments to design an approach that helps each employee focus on the areas of well-being that are important to them."