Wellness Library

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another enjoyable exercise focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Members choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Members weigh in with a “trusted” confident in private – 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 beginning weight of zero.
• Participants weigh themselves every week and turn in the weight with their code name on the sheet.
• Weight is reported in relation to a beginning 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 should be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept up to date and posted in public by the Worksite Wellness Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” next to the tracking chart.
• Offer “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 subjects could be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the issues 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 an effective way to safely begin the workday. A professional fitness instructor may be asked in to instruct proper stretching techniques. Following that, most often an internal group is able to meet and run independently. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for workplace stretching:
• Make sure you work with your Upper Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches should be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Even though pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of organization liability will probably arise, especially if someone reports an associated stretching injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your organization workers’ compensation provider to assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

Bring in a certified 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 usually 15 minutes, with a mean cost between $12.00 – $15.00 per session. Post a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is certified. It will be essential to support a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Obtain an agreement with upper management so employees 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 an effective way to nurture employees’ creative side and help them manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies once a month and allow the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later on. Or, feature employee creativity during certain months or times of the year. Urge staff members to post their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up an email list of coworkers who want to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Corporate Wellness Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to contribute ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all employer rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Urge workers to show off 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 workers 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.

Tags: Corporate Wellness, health, medical, Wellness Library

This entry was posted on Friday, April 24th, 2009 at 3:17 am and is filed under Corporate Wellness, Wellness Library. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.