Health And Wellness In The WorkplaceHealth And Wellness In The Workplace

Walking Club

Walking clubs or “trekking” can either be done in real time (by scheduling walking groups), or clubs can be set it up so people do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work. Following a certain number of miles or steps are logged, employees are eligible for membership into the walking “club” and receive something like a prize (a walking pin, similar to the ones that volkswalkers get, or a certificate of membership). Ways to continue interest in walking groups include:

• Regualr announcements about neighborhood walking events. Keep abreast of events in the neighborhood, Parks & Recreation programs, available tracks, inside walking options, volkswalking events, etc.
• Periodic information specific to walkers; such as what to look for when buying a pair of walking shoes.
• Consider a worksite team to take part in a local fundraiser walk, such as the March of Dimes walk.
• A walking club can be the kind of “club” that never really meets, or it can be the kind that does support the option for those who are interested in group walks and activities.

Health Awareness Video Programming

Many wonderful health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low costs. Choose video programming based on employee interests and needs.

• Provide periodic health video viewings at lunchtime brown bag sessions.
• The videos can be related to health or other related wellness topics like financial planning, caring for aging parents, or even humor as a “break” from the work routine.
• Preview videos before showing them to insure they are appropriate, not too long, etc.
• Have a Worksite Health Promotion Program Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet individuals, and lead a brief discussion after the video. Create one or two questions for discussion after previewing the video and use these to lead the discussion. Many health videos come with group discussion questions.
• Supply a pertinent educational brochures for participants to take with them for more information on the topic.
• If possible, support popcorn or fruit as a snack.
• Offer a prize drawing (or points if you are doing that kind of incentive program) for those attending the video program and discussion.

Wellness Mentors

Every workplace generally has at least a couple of staff members who have successfully made changes in their health. Often, other staff members will relate to one of their peers. Peer support can go a long ways in encouraging healthy changes.

• Seek volunteers from the work force who have experienced a disease resulting from an unhealthy behavior, or survived or recovered from a disease that just happens like breast cancer, and who have successfully made beneficial changes.
• Connect these success story staff members with staff members struggling with similar health problems.
• Both workers participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.
• A Worksite Health Promotion Program Committee person can be involved from a peripheral standpoint, and be available to share other resources that might be valuable to both workers.