Health and Wellness Leads : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

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

• Members 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 objective is set for the period of the contest.
• Display a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a beginning weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves every week and turn in the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is reported in relation to an initial 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 should 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 Worksite Wellness Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” adjacent to the tracking chart.
• Give “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, numerous topics 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 few minutes of gentle stretching is an effective way to safely begin the workday. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to instruct proper stretching techniques. Following this, most often an internal group is able to meet and run independently. Provide periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching:
• See that you work with your Senior Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches should be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of corporation liability will most likely arise, especially if someone reports an associated stretching injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your corporation workers’ compensation carrier to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Worksite Chair Massage

Bring in a professional massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are performed 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 usually fifteen minutes, with a mean cost between $12.00 – $15.00 per session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is licensed. It will be significant to offer a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which could establish a regular massage schedule. Get an agreement with management so workers can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time.  Note: 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 allow them to manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies once a month 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 employees to post their art in their personal workspaces.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up 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 Employee Health Promotion Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all corporation rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Encourage staff members 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 maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group activity or brown bag that allows interested staff members 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.