Archive for July, 2009
Employer Wellness : Workplace 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 individuals 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 [...]
Employer Wellness : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Heath Information Strategies
Set-up and offer “free” health information resources as part of the central worksite wellness plan. Reliable information is available free, or at very low cost, through countless resource areas. Ideas and resources will be suggested here. Also review the Resource and Website listings at the end of this guide for more ideas and resources.
Wellness Bulletin [...]
Employer Wellness : Worksite Health Promotion Program Ideas: Ongoing Onsite Wellness Classes
The feasibility of worksite based wellness classes hinges upon the size of the workforce. Job Site programs really should be supported with an adequate number of interested workers to keep a class going. Generally a certain level of employee involvement is also necessary to make sure availability of facilities such as a room and equipment. [...]
Employer Wellness : Workplace Wellness Program Ideas: Volume One
Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities
This is another fun exercise focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.
• Participants choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Members weigh in with a “trusted” partner privately – at which time a healthy weight goal is set for the period of the contest.
• [...]
Employer Wellness : Workplace Health Promotion Program Ideas: Brown Bag Health Presentations & Discussions
Brown bag presentations are a good way to establish awareness about selected health topics. Community health professionals will often offer 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 [...]
Employer Wellness : Workplace Wellness Program Ideas: Low Fat Foods Sampling
Often people avoid low fat foods because they think these foods do not taste good. To help inform staff members, purchase a variety of low fat foods and put them out in a conference room for an hour or so for a drop-in tasting session. Or, arrange for low-fat potlucks encouraging staff members to bring [...]
Employer Wellness : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: Support for Healthy Changes
Group support and encouragement can be very beneficial in helping employees make healthy changes. Create situations, peer groups, or information avenues where the expertise and experiences of coworkers can be shared with others. Some ideas for providing workplace support for healthy changes include:
• Workers can be asked to voluntarily submit recommendations, advice, and strategies related [...]
Employer Wellness : Employee Health Promotion Program Ideas: Health Fairs
A wellness fair is a fantastic way to familiarize staff members with health concerns and related wellness programs. During a wellness fair staff members might be able to get resource materials; take part in provided health screenings (vision, hearing, blood, cholesterol, cancer, dental, etc.); observe demonstrations on the use of fitness equipment; catch mini-seminars on [...]
Employer Wellness : Corporate Wellness Program Ideas: Health Screenings
Worksite health screenings can take a variety of forms. Common screening components may include:
• Blood Pressure and pulse rate.
• Cholesterol (typically a finger-stick total cholesterol test, either fasting or non-fasting).
• Blood glucose (diabetes screening).
• Height and weight.
• Percent body fat and/or BMI (body mass index).
• Fitness level.
• Bone Mineral Density(BMD).
• Posture assessment.
Considerations when offering workplace [...]
Employer Wellness : Make safety a key concern when creating physical exercise in your workplace. An accident or injury will not “sell” the program and may end up costing the employer. This section will assist you in taking the necessary steps to avert an accident or injury.
Points to Keep in Mind
Hiring Certified Professionals
Enlist professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace lunch and learn meetings. It’s also prudent to ask the instructor for references.
When you hire instructors, make sure that your insurance protects both the instructor and your corporation.
Risk Management
Whether we like it or [...]