Wellness Program Ideas – Volume Two.

Walking Club

Walking clubs or “trekking” can either be done in real time (by scheduling walking groups), or clubs can be set it up so people  do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work.

After a certain number of miles or steps are logged, staff members are eligible for membership into the walking “club” and receive something like a prize (a walking pin, similar to the ones that volkswalkers get, or a certificate of membership).

Ways to continue interest in walking groups include –

• Periodic announcements about community walking events. Keep abreast of events in the community, Parks and Recreation programs, available tracks, inside walking choices, volkswalking events, etc.

• Periodic information specific to walkers; like what to look for when buying a pair of walking footwear.

• Consider a workplace team to participate in a local fundraiser walk, such as the March of Dimes walk.

• A walking club could be the type of “club” that never really meets, or it could be the type that does provide the option for those who are interested in group walks and events.

Health Awareness Video Programming

A lot of good health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low costs. Choose video programming based on staff member interests and needs.

• Schedule periodic health video viewings during lunch brown bag sessions.

• the videos could be related to health or other related wellness topics like financial planning, caring for aging parents, or even humor as a “break” from the work routine.

• Make certain to preview videos before showing them to insure they’re appropriate, not too long, etc.

• Have a Wellness Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet people , and lead a brief discussion after the video. Create one or two questions for discussion after previewing the video and use these to lead the discussion. A lot of health videos come with group discussion questions.

• Attempt to supply a pertinent educational  pamphlet for participants to take with them for additional information on the topic.

• When possible, provide popcorn or fruit as a snack.

• Offer a prize drawing (or points if you’re doing that type of incentive program) for those attending the video program and discussion.

Wellness Mentors

Every workplace generally has at least a couple of staff members who have successfully made changes in their health. Often, other staff members will relate to one of their colleagues. Coworker support can go a long ways in encouraging healthy changes.

• Seek volunteers from the work force who have experienced a illness resulting from an unhealthful behavior, or survived or recovered from a illness that just happens like breast cancer, and who have successfully made positive changes.

• Connect these success story employees with employees struggling with similar health issues.

• Both employees participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.

• A Wellness Committee individuals can be involved from a peripheral standpoint, and be available to share other resources that might  be valuable to both employees.