Wellness Workshops.

Brown bag presentations are a good way to develop awareness about selected health topics. Community health professionals will often provide presentations of a half hour or less at no charge.

Use worker interest surveys to follow up on worker 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, financial health, etc.

Considerations for brown bag presentations –

• Brown bag sessions are good for awareness building. This seed planting process can help staff members become more proactive about healthful options.

• Do not schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will allow folks a chance to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.

• If the subject matter is sensitive, like domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., it’s possible people  will be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the problem. They will, notwithstanding, attend when the focus is on helping family members, peers, etc.

• Ensure that employees hear valuable information and will leave with tools and resources to carry out the message. Be certain to work with the presenter on information strategies that work for your staff member 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 topics that cannot be covered in one session might  be offered in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week instead of several sessions in one week.

For  instance, you might offer a 3-week series on healthful eating instead of attempting to cram all the information into one session.

• A catchy title can draw people  to the event. an example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”

• If possible, provide a free healthful snack for employees who attend.

• to keep the momentum going, attempt setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime seminars.

• If staff members work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, devise a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.

Resources –

1. Please see the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a selection of resource topics of interest to employees.

2. Every community has many person, experts, or experts 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 possibilities to present worksite sessions free or at a low cost.

Many of these contacts will also provide inexpensive materials.

3. Topic videos can be used for a brown bag session.