Posted by Health Wellness | Posted in Health And Wellness In The Workplace | Posted on 17-04-2009
Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities
This is another fun exercise focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.
• Members choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Participants weigh in with a “trusted” confident privately – at which time a healthy weight goal is set for the course of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Participants weigh themselves weekly and submit the weight with their code name on the sheet.
• Weight is given 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 ought to be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept up to date and put up publicly by the Corporate Wellness Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” next to the tracking chart.
• Provide “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the activity.
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 subject matters 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 couple of minutes of gentle stretching is a great way to safely start the workday. A professional fitness instructor may be brought in to teach proper stretching techniques. Following this, most often an internal group is able to meet and run independently. Provide periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.
Considerations for worksite stretching:
• See that you work with your Upper Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of business liability will probably arise, especially if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your business workers’ compensation authority to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.
Job Site Chair Massage
Bring in a professional massage therapist to provide chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are done totally clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that totally supports the neck and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are generally fifteen minutes, with an average cost between $12.00 – $15.00 for each session. Put a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is licensed. It will be crucial to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with upper management so workers can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time. Note: upper management 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. Urge workers to display their art in their personal work areas.
Healthy Email-a-Week
Develop an email list of coworkers who wish to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Worksite Wellness Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all employer rules concerning work time and email protocols.
Hobby Show or Demonstrations
Hobbies are wonderful stress management tools. Urge employees to display their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Distribute 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 activity or brown bag that allows interested employees to interact. Or, hobby sharing can be done in groupings by topic over a scheduled period of time, allowing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration on the part of the hobbyist.