Employee Wellness Newsletter : Workplace Health Promotion Program Ideas: Brown Bag Health Presentations & Discussions

Brown bag presentations are a great way to foster awareness about selected health subject matters. Community health professionals will frequently offer presentations of a half hour or less at no charge. Use employee interest surveys to follow up on employee interests that are expressed. The definition of health is broad, so brown bag presentations may also cover a wide variety of subject matters. Topics may include physical, mental, emotional, women’s health, men’s health, monetary health, etc.

Considerations for brown bag presentations:
• Brown bag sessions are effective for awareness building. This seed planting process can help staff members become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Do not schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will give folks an opportunity to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is of a sensitive nature, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., it is possible people will be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the issue. They will, however, attend if the focus is on supporting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Make sure that employees hear significant information and will leave with tools and resources to carry out the message. Work with the presenter on information strategies that work for your employee group.
• Promotional materials should publicize the program with a name that indicates the brown bag focus. Include all other pertinent information such as where, who, when, etc.
• Some subject matters that can’t be covered in one session should be available in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week rather than several sessions in one week. For example, you might offer a 3-week series on healthy eating rather than trying to cram all the information into one session.
• A catchy title can attract visitors to the event. An example of this might include calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, offer a free healthy snack for staff members who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a regular monthly time and day for lunchtime courses.
• If staff members work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, establish a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.

Resources:

1. Please see the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a variety of resource subject matters of interest to staff members.
2. Every community has a myriad of individuals, experts, or specialists from voluntary groups (heart, cancer, lung associations), special interest groups (Y’s, Red Cross, Weight Watcher’s, Safety Council, Alcoholics Anonymous), or the local health department as possibilities to lead worksite sessions at no cost or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also provide inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos may be utilized for a brown bag session.