Posted by admin | Posted in Health Program Ideas, Screening and Intervention Programs, Wellness Program Incentives | Posted on 11-04-2009
Brown bag presentations are a great way to establish awareness about selected health topics. Community health professionals will often support presentations of a half hour or less at no charge. Use employee interest surveys to follow up on employee interests that are expressed. The definition of health is broad, so brown bag presentations may also cover a wide variety of topics. Topics may include physical, mental, emotional, women’s health, men’s health, monetary health, etc.
Considerations for brown bag presentations:
• Brown bag sessions are good for awareness building. This seed planting process can help staff members become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Do not schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will give folks an opportunity to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is of a sensitive nature, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., people may be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the problem. They will, however, show up if the focus is on assisting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Be sure that employees hear significant information and will leave with tools and resources to carry out the message. Work with the presenter on information strategies that work for your employee group.
• Promotional materials ought to publicize the program with a name that speaks to the brown bag focus. Include all other pertinent information such as where, who, when, etc.
• Some subject matters that can’t be covered in one session might be provided in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week rather than several sessions in one week. For example, you might offer a 3-week series on healthy eating rather than trying to cram all the information into one session.
• A catchy title can attract participants to the event. An example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, provide a no cost healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime courses.
• If staff members work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical locales, come up with a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.
Resources:
1. Check the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a variety of resource issues of interest to workers.
2. Every area has countless professionals, experts, or specialists from voluntary groups (heart, cancer, lung associations), special interest groups (Y’s, Red Cross, Weight Watcher’s, Safety Council, Alcoholics Anonymous), or the local health department as options to lead worksite sessions at no cost or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also provide inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos may be utilized for a brown bag session.