Health Handouts : Worksite 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 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 great for awareness building. This seed planting process can help employees become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Do not schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will give folks an opportunity to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is of a sensitive nature, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., people may be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the problem. They will, however, show up if the focus is on assisting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Be sure that staff members hear important information and will leave with tools and resources to carry out the message. Work with the presenter on information strategies that work for your employee 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 issues that can’t be covered in one session could be available in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week rather than several sessions in one week. By way of example, you might offer a 3-week series on healthy eating rather than trying 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 healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To keep the momentum going, try setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime classes.
• If staff members work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, create a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.

Resources:

1. Check the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a variety of resource topics of interest to workers.
2. Every community has a myriad of individuals, experts, or specialists 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 lead worksite sessions free or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also offer inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos can be used for a brown bag session.