Employee Wellness Plans : Workplace Health Promotion Program Ideas: Sports and Recreation

Many employees enjoy team related activities. These activities usually take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is totally voluntary in nature. Although the sports team is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the team or exercise is associated with the business, the business might be held liable in the event of an employee injury. If the exercise brings with it a risk of injury, it is significant to address the possible risk and liability issues with the correct business department. Also consult with your organization’s workers’ compensation carrier and/or legal counsel.
• Develop 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 organizations so employee can take advantage of area leagues, trips and offerings.
• Invite an official from one of the above employers to speak at a employer brown bag event, or invite an area Parks and Recreation instructor to support 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): Create 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.