Health And Wellness In The WorkplaceHealth And Wellness In The Workplace

Brown bag presentations are a good way to foster awareness about selected health subject matters. Community health professionals will frequently offer 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 subject matters. Topics may include physical, mental, emotional, women’s health, men’s health, financial health, etc.

Considerations for brown bag presentations:
• Brown bag sessions are good 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 a chance to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is of a sensitive nature, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., it is possible people will be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the issue. They will, however, attend if the focus is on supporting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Ensure that employees 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 should 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 should be offered 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 catchy title can attract visitors to the event. An example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, offer a no cost healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a regular monthly time and day for lunchtime seminars.
• If workers work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, establish 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 topics of interest to staff members.
2. Every neighborhood has many 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 workplace sessions at no cost or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also offer inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos can be utilized for a brown bag session.