Health Handouts : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Sports and Recreation

Many staff members enjoy group related activities. These activities usually take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is completely voluntary in nature. Even though the sports group is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the group or exercise is associated with the corporation, the corporation might be held liable in the event of an employee injury. If the exercise brings with it a risk of injury, it is necessary to address the possible risk and liability concerns with the correct corporation department. Also consult with your organization’s workers’ compensation carrier and/or legal counsel.
• Design summer softball or volleyball teams, a winter ski outing, fall and winter smoke-free bowling teams, a spring golf tournament, summer walks, etc.
• Give brochures and catalogs from area Parks and Recreation departments and county park businesses so employee can take advantage of community leagues, trips and offerings.
• Invite an official from one of the above organizations to speak at a corporation brown bag event, or invite an area Parks and Recreation instructor to provide a demonstration of a new class offering.

Family Friendly Activities

Periodically offer activities which can be taken home and shared with the entire family. Ideas for these include:
• TV Free Week (usually in April): Develop a chart for the little ones to use to record their TV-free participation.
• Offer a certificate to anyone who is TV-free for a week.
• If possible, offer a few prizes (but not video rental certificates, video games or other TV-related items) for related categories, such as less than 5 hours of TV, no video games for a week, etc.