Employer Wellness

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.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a initial weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves weekly and turn in the weight with their code name on the sheet.
• Weight is reported in relation to an initial weight of zero. By way of example +4 would mean a weight gain of four pounds; while -2 would indicate a weight loss of two pounds.
• Future weigh-ins must be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept up to date and displayed publicly by the Worksite Health Promotion Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” next to the tracking chart.
• Provide “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the exercise.

Wellness Book/Journal Club and/or Book Exchange

Similar to any other book discussion group, the readings and focus of this group is health. With a broad “health” definition, numerous topics might be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the topics and books. Another suggested idea is to establish a book swap area where readers can trade the book(s) for those that others have left for trade.

Pre-Work Stretching Group

A couple of minutes of gentle stretching is an effective way to safely begin work. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to instruct proper stretching techniques. After this, most often an internal group is able to meet and run independently. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for worksite stretching:
• Make sure you work with your Senior Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches should be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of corporation liability will probably arise, especially if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your corporation workers’ compensation carrier to help in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

Bring in a certified massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are done completely clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that completely supports the neck and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually fifteen minutes, with an average cost between $12.00 – $15.00 per session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is certified. It will be necessary to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which could establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with senior staff so staff members can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time.  Note: senior staff may want the therapist to supply proof of liability insurance.

Art at Work

Art can be an effective way to nurture employees’ creative side and allow them to manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies once a month and allow the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later on. Or, feature employee creativity during certain months or times of the year. Urge staff members to display their art in their personal workspaces.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Create an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Worksite Wellness Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all employer rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Urge employees to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet. See who would be able to bring in samples of their hobby, and maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group exercise or brown bag that allows interested employees to interact. Or, hobby sharing can be done in groupings by topic over a scheduled period of time, allowing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration on the part of the hobbyist.