Wellness Program Ideas

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another fun activity focusing on healthful weight loss or maintenance.

• Participants choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).

• Participants weigh-in with a “trusted” confident privately - at which time a healthful weight goal is set for the period of the contest.

• Post a chart with everybody’s secret name assigning each a beginning weight of zero.

• Participants weigh themselves weekly and submit the weight with their code name on the paper.

• Weight is expressed in relation to a starting weight of zero. for  instance +4 would indicate a weight gain of four pounds; while -2 would indicate a weight loss of two pounds.

• Future weigh-ins should be about the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.

• the chart is kept current and posted publicly by Wellness Committee.

• Post a “weight control hint of the week” next to the tracking chart.

• Provide “take one”  brochures on weight control education or motivational tips by the chart.

• Celebrate worker 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, many subjects may be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc.

Let the group pick the topics 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-Make certain to work Stretching Group

Several minutes of gentle stretching is a excellent way to safely start the workday. A specialist fitness instructor could  be brought in to teach proper stretching techniques.

After that, most often an internal group can meet and run itself. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching -

• Make certain to work with your Management Team for stretching endorsement.

• Stretches must be taught by a knowledgeable and certified person.

• Even though pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of corporation liability will likely arise, namely if someone reports an associated stretching injury.

Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your employer workers’ compensation carrier to help in design of an worker release of liability waiver.

Worksite Chair Massage

Bring in a certified massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are done fully clothed with the recipient seated in a chair.

The therapist brings in a special chair that fully supports the head and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually 15 minutes, with an average cost between $12.00 - $15.00 per session.

Post a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Make sure the therapist is certified. It will be necessary to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which may establish a regular massage schedule.

Obtain an agreement with management so employees 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 good way to nurture employees’ creative side and help them manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies once a month and let the creative juices flow.

If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later that day. Or, feature worker art during certain months or times of the year. Be certain to encourage staff members to post their art in their personal workspaces.

Healthful Email-a-Week

Create an email list of peers who want to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email.

Ask members of the Wellness Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all business rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are good stress management tools. Make certain to encourage staff members to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet.

See who’d be willing to bring in samples of their hobby, and maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations may be scheduled as a group activity or brown bag that authorizes interested staff members to interact.

Or, hobby sharing can be done in groupings by topic over a scheduled period of time, authorizing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration for the hobbyist.