Health And Wellness In The WorkplaceHealth And Wellness In The Workplace

Creating an active Workplace Wellness Program Committee supplies opportunities for both upper management and employee involvement in the program.  The Wellness Committee should be a team of employees and managers who formally meet to plan activities to encourage healthier employee lifestyles.

Typical Functions of a Worksite Wellness Program Committee:

• Evaluating needs & interests
• Brainstorming program ideas
• Planning activities
• Developing communication plans
• Promoting programs to co-employees
• Serving as champions of the Employee Health Promotion Programs
• Assisting with evaluation  

Your Employee Wellness Program Committee should be representative of all levels of the business.  Consider all areas of the workforce – multiple sites, shift workers, diversity (race, gender, ethnicity), and departments.   It’s also significant to consider who will chair or co-chair the Employee Wellness Program Committee and whether or not there are the finances to support a Employee Wellness Program manager or occupational health professional, even on a part-time or contractual basis.  Click here for more information on the advantages of a health professional.  

Depending on your business size and resources, if you already have a business Safety Committee you may want to think about making it the Safety & Worksite Wellness Program Committee.  You can request volunteers or invite employees to take part.  

The number of Worksite Wellness Program Committee participants is dependent upon the size of your employer; however, you need a sufficient number of participants to get the work done and yet not too many to keep it manageable, usually at least 4 participants and maximum of 12 to 15 participants.  It’s important to include skeptics of wellness as well and not just those employees already practicing healthy lifestyles.  

Depending on your worksite, consider representatives from the following areas:

• Employee representatives from a cross section of different departments,
• Senior Leadership
• Health and safety professional(s),
• Human resources consultant(s),
• Employee benefits representative or someone from finance,
• Your Employee Assistance Program(EAP) provider (if applicable), Click here for more information on EAPs
• Occupational health employee (if applicable).

Establish an effective Company Health Promotion Program Committee!  The Company Health Promotion Program Committee should meet frequently with a planned agenda and action items.  Effective Wellness Committees have a shared mission, vision and objectives.  Participants must believe that their participation is worthwhile and appreciated, that their work is significant, benefits the organization and co-staff members, and they are appreciated for their contributions. Refer to the NC Workplace Programs section for examples of what other companies have implemented.