Employee Wellness Plans : Workplace Wellness Program Ideas: Volume One

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

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

• Members 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 intention is set for the period of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves weekly and turn in the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is reported in relation to an initial weight of zero. For 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 Corporate Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” adjacent to 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 exercise.

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, countless topics might be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the issues 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 a great way to safely begin work. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to teach proper stretching techniques. After that, most often an internal group can meet and run itself. Provide 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 likely arise, particularly if someone reports an associated stretching 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 certified massage therapist to offer 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 generally 15 minutes, with a mean cost between $12.00 – $15.00 per session. Post a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is licensed. It will be significant to support a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with senior staff so staff members can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time.  Note: senior staff may want the therapist to supply proof of liability insurance.

Art at Work

Art can be a great 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 art during certain months or times of the year. Encourage staff members to post their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Develop an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, humorous or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Worksite Health Promotion Program Committee to gather ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all employer rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are good stress management tools. Encourage workers to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around 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 exercise or brown bag that allows interested workers to interact. Or, hobby sharing may 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.