Employee Wellness Plans : Worksite Wellness Program Ideas: Brown Bag Health Presentations & Discussions

Brown bag presentations are a good way to establish awareness about selected health issues. Community health professionals will often support 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 issues. Topics may include physical, mental, emotional, women’s health, men’s health, monetary health, etc.

Considerations for brown bag presentations:
• Brown bag sessions are great for awareness building. This seed planting process can help workers become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Don’t schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will allow folks an opportunity to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is sensitive, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., people may be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the concern. They will, however, show up if the focus is on supporting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Make sure that workers 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 ought to publicize the program with a name that speaks to the brown bag focus. Include all other pertinent information such as where, who, when, etc.
• Some subject matters that can’t be covered in one session might be provided in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week instead of several sessions in one week. By way of example, you might offer a 3-week series on healthy eating instead of trying to cram all the information into one session.
• A clever title can attract participants to the event. An example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, support a no cost healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To keep the momentum going, try setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime seminars.
• If workers work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical locales, 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 subject matters of interest to employees.
2. Every community has a myriad of professionals, 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 present 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.