Health Wellness ProgramHealth and Wellness Programs and Wellness Program Consulting

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another fun exercise focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Participants pick a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Participants weigh in with a “trusted” confident in private – at which time a healthy weight goal 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 weekly and submit the weight with their code name on the sheet.
• Weight is expressed in relation to a beginning weight of zero. By way of 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 put up in public by the Company Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” adjacent to 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 exercise.

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, a myriad of subjects could be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the issues 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 begin work. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to instruct proper stretching techniques. Following this, most frequently an internal group can meet and run itself. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for worksite stretching:
• Be sure to work with your Upper Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of company liability will most likely arise, especially if someone reports an associated stretching injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your company workers’ compensation provider to help in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

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

Art at Work

Art can be a great 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 allow 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 work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Create an email list of coworkers who wish to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask members of the Company Wellness Program Committee to gather ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all company rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are wonderful stress management tools. Encourage employees to display their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet. See who would be able to bring in samples of their hobby, and perhaps even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group activity or brown bag that allows interested employees to interact. Or, hobby sharing is able to 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.