Worksite Wellness Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another enjoyable activity focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Members pick 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 course of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves every week and submit the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is expressed in relation to a beginning 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 current and put up in public by the Worksite Wellness Committee.
• Post a “weight management hint of the week” nearby the tracking chart.
• Give “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the activity.

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, many subjects could 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 few minutes of gentle stretching is an effective way to safely start the workday. A professional fitness instructor may be asked in to teach proper stretching techniques. Following this, most often an internal group can meet and run itself. 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 Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches must be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of organization liability will most likely arise, particularly if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your organization workers’ compensation authority to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

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

Art at Work

Art can be a good way to nurture employees’ creative side and help them manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies on a monthly basis and allow the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later that day. Or, feature employee art during certain months or times of the year. Urge employees to display their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Create an email list of coworkers who wish to receive an inspirational, humorous or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Worksite Wellness Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all organization rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

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