Company Health and Wellness : Workplace Wellness Program Ideas: Brown Bag Health Presentations & Discussions

Brown bag presentations are a good way to foster awareness about selected health topics. Community health professionals will often support 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 topics. 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 workers become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Don’t schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will provide folks with a chance to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is sensitive, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., people may be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the issue. They will, however, attend if the focus is on assisting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Ensure that staff members 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 could be offered 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 participants to the event. An example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, provide a free healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime sessions.
• If staff members work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, create a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.

Resources:

1. Check the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a variety of resource issues of interest to workers.
2. Every area has countless professionals, 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 options to lead worksite sessions free or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also support inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos may be used for a brown bag session.