Company Health and Wellness : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another enjoyable activity focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Members pick a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Members weigh in with a “trusted” confident privately – at which time a healthy weight goal is set for the period of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a beginning weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves weekly and turn in the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is reported in relation to an initial weight of zero. For 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 current and posted publicly by the Employee Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” next to the tracking chart.
• Give “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the exercise.

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, numerous topics could be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the subject matters 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 a great way to safely begin the workday. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to instruct proper stretching techniques. After this, most often an internal group can meet and run independently. Provide periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching:
• Make sure you work with your Senior Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of business liability will most likely arise, especially if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your business workers’ compensation provider to help in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

Bring in a licensed massage therapist to provide chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are performed 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 a mean cost between $12.00 – $15.00 per session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is certified. It will be necessary to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which could 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 allow them to 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 on. Or, feature employee art during certain months or times of the year. Urge employees to display their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Develop an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask members of the Worksite Wellness Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all corporation rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Encourage workers to display their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet. See who would be willing to bring in samples of their hobby, and perhaps even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group activity or brown bag that allows interested workers 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.