Employee Wellness Newsletter : Company Wellness Program Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another enjoyable exercise 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” partner privately – at which time a healthy weight intention is set for the period of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a initial weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves every week and submit the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is expressed in relation to a starting weight of zero. By way of example +4 would indicate 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 displayed publicly by the Employee Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight management hint of the week” nearby 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 activity.

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, countless subjects might 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 an effective way to safely begin work. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to instruct proper stretching techniques. After this, most often an internal group can meet and run itself. Provide periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching:
• See that you work with your Upper Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches must be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of organization liability will likely arise, particularly if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your organization workers’ compensation provider to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Worksite Chair Massage

Bring in a licensed massage therapist to provide 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 head and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually fifteen minutes, with an average cost between $12.00 – $15.00 for each session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is licensed. It will be necessary to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with upper management so staff members 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 an effective 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 let 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. Encourage workers to display their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, humorous or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Corporate Health Promotion Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all organization rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Encourage employees to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Distribute a sign up sheet. See who would be willing to bring in samples of their hobby, and maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group exercise or brown bag that allows interested employees to interact. Or, hobby sharing can 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.