Worksite Wellness ProgramsWorksite Wellness Programs

A wellness fair is a fantastic way to familiarize workers with health concerns and related wellness programs. During a wellness fair workers might be able to get resource materials; take part in provided health screenings (vision, hearing, blood, cholesterol, cancer, dental, etc.); observe demonstrations on the use of fitness equipment; go to mini-seminars on various health subject matters; get free promotional items from local businesses; sample healthy foods; and pick up information about their health benefit plan. Some businesses feature a “health & benefit fair” which includes vendors representing the various employee benefit plans (long-term disability, retirement, etc.) available to workers through their company. Considerations when coordinating a wellness fair:

• Setting up a efficacious wellness fair takes extensive time. Time concerns ought to be taken into account in planning and organizing such an event. The most time consuming part is generally contacting potential participants, making arrangements for their participation, confirming their participation, and setting up the day of the event.
• Sufficient space, tables and chairs must be available to allow for the number of vendors involved. Some vendors may have portable displays or materials that will require additional space, access to electrical outlets, or other logistical considerations that must be discussed prior to the wellness fair.
• Vendors will be looking to make contact with as many persons as possible during the event. Securing their commitment to future health & wellness fairs requires that every effort be made to reward participation by publicizing the event, selecting the proper venue, and offering incentives.
• If possible, locate the wellness fair in an area with heavy foot traffic.
• Ask vendors to bring free materials at their table and to make a donation to a prize drawing. Adhere to all company policies when seeking donations.
• As an idea to increase employee participation and to keep interest high, each attendee might be given a “passport”, similar to a bingo card, to be signed by each vendor. The signed passport serves as the ticket for the prize drawings. Such drawings ought to take place every 15 or 30 minutes.
• Consider teaming up with area businesses to hold a wellness fair. A team effort will distribute the work and maximize participation.

Ideas for a Benefits Fair: Include representatives from each of your employee benefits provider groups. Ask each vendor to be ready to answer employee questions regarding their program. Representatives might include:

• Retirement plan representative.
• Long-term disability plan representative.
• Health plan representative.
• Health Benefits representative.
• Contract cell phone representative (if applicable).
• Local savings and loan or credit union representative.
• Workers’ compensation representative.

Limited Space for a Health Fair: If space is limited conduct the fair at lunch time. Place stations in company hallways or in individual small conference or office rooms scattered throughout the building. Offer a map with all the stations listed. Have a free drawing awarding a prize for anyone who goes to 75 percent of the stations. Use a punch card or similar method to verify. Resources for health & benefit fairs coordination: Assume a broad definition of “health” and reflect that by including a wide array of vendors and services involved with physical, mental, financial and social health; for example, health agencies, safety businesses, benefits providers, local medical care facilities, recreational facilities, parks, monetary planners, childcare referrals, EAP, health clubs, health food stores, library, alternative and complementary medicine providers, etc.