Company Health and Wellness : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Sports and Recreation

Many staff members enjoy group related activities. These activities usually take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is completely voluntary in nature. Even though the sports group is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the group or exercise is associated with the company, the company might be held liable in the event of an employee injury. If the exercise brings with it a risk of injury, it is essential to address the possible risk and liability problems with the correct company department. Also consult with your organization’s workers’ compensation carrier and/or legal counsel.
• Establish summer softball or volleyball teams, a winter ski outing, fall and winter smoke-free bowling teams, a spring golf tournament, summer walks, etc.
• Give brochures and catalogs from area Parks and Recreation departments and county park companies so employee can take advantage of area leagues, trips and offerings.
• Invite an official from one of the above organizations to speak at a organization brown bag event, or invite an area Parks and Recreation instructor to offer a demonstration of a new class offering.

Family Friendly Activities

Periodically offer activities which can be taken home and shared with the entire family. Ideas for these include:
• TV Free Week (usually in April): Create a chart for the children to use to record their TV-free participation.
• Offer a certificate to anyone who is TV-free for a week.
• If possible, offer a few prizes (but not video rental certificates, video games or other TV-related items) for related categories, such as less than 5 hours of TV, no video games for a week, etc.