Health Handouts : Company Health Promotion Program Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

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

• Participants pick a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Participants 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.
• Participants weigh themselves every week and submit 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 should 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 Workplace Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” adjacent 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 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 might be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the subject matters 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 a great way to safely start work. A certified fitness instructor may be asked in to instruct proper stretching techniques. Following this, most frequently an internal group is able to meet and run itself. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching:
• Make sure you work with your Senior Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of organization liability will probably arise, especially if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your organization workers’ compensation authority to help 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 performed 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 a mean 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 licensed. It will be necessary to support 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 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 let 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 work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up 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 Workplace Wellness Program Committee to gather ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all company rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are good stress management tools. Encourage staff members to display their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Distribute 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 activity or brown bag that allows interested staff members to interact. Or, hobby sharing can 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.