Health and Wellness Leads : Worksite Health Promotion Program Ideas: Sports and Recreation

Many employees enjoy group related activities. These activities usually take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is totally voluntary in nature. Although the sports group is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the group or activity is associated with the employer, the employer might be held liable in the event of an employee injury. If the activity brings with it a risk of injury, it is essential to address the possible risk and liability issues with the correct employer department. Also consult with your organization’s workers’ compensation carrier and/or legal counsel.
• Design summer softball or volleyball teams, a winter ski outing, fall and winter smoke-free bowling teams, a spring golf tournament, summer walks, etc.
• Give brochures and catalogs from area Parks and Recreation departments and county park businesses so employee can take advantage of neighborhood leagues, trips and offerings.
• Invite an official from one of the above corporations to speak at a employer brown bag event, or invite an area Parks and Recreation instructor to support a demonstration of a new class offering.

Family Friendly Activities

Periodically offer activities which can be taken home and shared with the entire family. Ideas for these include:
• TV Free Week (usually in April): Create a chart for the kids to use to record their TV-free participation.
• Offer a certificate to anyone who is TV-free for a week.
• If possible, offer a few prizes (but not video rental certificates, video games or other TV-related items) for related categories, such as less than 5 hours of TV, no video games for a week, etc.