Worksite Wellness ProgramsWorksite Wellness Programs

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another enjoyable activity focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Members choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Members weigh in with a “trusted” confident in private – at which time a healthy weight objective is set for the period of the contest.
• Display a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves every week and turn in the weight with their code name on the sheet.
• Weight is reported in relation to a starting weight of zero. For example +4 would mean a weight gain of four pounds; while –2 would indicate a weight loss of two pounds.
• Future weigh-ins ought to be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept up to date and displayed in public by the Worksite Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” nearby the tracking chart.
• Offer “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the activity.

Wellness Book/Journal Club and/or Book Exchange

Similar to any other book discussion group, the readings and focus of this group is health. With a broad “health” definition, many subjects might be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the subject matters and books. Another suggested idea is to establish a book swap area where readers can trade the book(s) for those that others have left for trade.

Pre-Work Stretching Group

A couple of minutes of gentle stretching is a great way to safely start the workday. A certified fitness instructor may be asked in to teach proper stretching techniques. After this, most often an internal group is able to meet and run itself. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated. Considerations for workplace stretching:

• Be sure to work with your Senior Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of company liability will probably arise, particularly if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your company workers’ compensation carrier to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Worksite Chair Massage

Bring in a licensed massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are done fully clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that fully supports the neck and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually fifteen minutes, with a mean cost between $12.00 – $15.00 for each session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is certified. It will be significant to support a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with senior staff so workers can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time. Note: senior staff may want the therapist to supply proof of liability insurance.

Art at Work

Art can be a good way to nurture employees’ creative side and help them manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies on a monthly basis and let the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later on. Or, feature employee creativity during certain months or times of the year. Urge workers to display their art in their personal workspaces.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Develop an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask members of the Worksite Wellness Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all company rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Urge workers to display their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet. See who would be willing to bring in samples of their hobby, and maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group activity or brown bag that allows interested workers to interact. Or, hobby sharing may be done in groupings by topic over a scheduled period of time, providing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration on the part of the hobbyist.