Wellness Program Committee.

Wellness committees are important in that they create a sense of ownership in the health promotion program, and facilitate various tasks involved in health promotion programming at the worksite.

The committee should be composed of a cross-section of staff members representing various occupations, levels, and subgroups with the business.

A common mistake is filling the committee with the most health/fitness-conscious individuals  in the organization. Don’t rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Make sure that your committee members have enough power in the organization to run an effective wellness program.

The wellness committee is made up of workforce from the workplace. It oversees the health promotion program and helps carry it out.

The committee should meet about once a month to review the previous month’s activities and plan future ones. When the health promotion program is just starting, the committee may meet each week until things get going.

Committee members do not carry out medical procedures, counsel patrons, or handle confidential health information. Wellness specialists perform these tasks.

In general, the committee’s duties fall into three areas –  planning, promoting, and helping to run health promotion programs.

Developing the health promotion programs can include -

o  Finding space for activities

o  Developing and organizing workplace-wide events such as contests

o  Reviewing reports prepared by the wellness program staff and making recommendations

Promoting the health promotion program can include -

o  Recruiting personnel to take part in screening and wellness programs

o  Encouraging personnel to participate in follow-up counseling

o  Organizing promotional strategies using newsletters, signs, bulletin boards, computers, and other media available within the workplace

Helping to run the wellness program can include -

o  Setting up equipment for various activities

o  Assisting to conduct worksite-wide activities

o  Monitoring all activities and investigating  the performance of the specialist staff

o  Acting as wellness mentors to fellow workforce

The size of the wellness committee are going to be dependent on the size of the corporation. Select members by asking day management to nominate or appoint workers.

Make an announcement through flyers, memos, and meetings to recruit potential members. Explain the purpose of the committee, duties and responsibilities, and the time commitment.

Recognize your wellness committee volunteers. Allow them to take part in wellness programs at a reduced cost. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners.

Print names of committee members on organization communications about the wellness program.

Buy special T-shirts, caps, and buttons for them. Write letters to supervisors saying that you appreciate the member’s service. Develop awards certificates for members.

The following could be used as a guide for committee size -

o  Less than 300 employees   2 to 4

o  300 to 1,000 employees   4 to 6

o  1,000 employees or more   6 to 12