Corporate Wellness Blog

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

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

• Members pick a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Participants weigh in with a “trusted” partner in private – at which time a healthy weight objective 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 turn in the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is reported in relation to a beginning weight of zero. For example +4 would indicate a weight gain of four pounds; while -2 would indicate a weight loss of two pounds.
• Future weigh-ins must be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept up to date and posted publicly by the Corporate Wellness Program Committee.
• Display a “weight control hint of the week” adjacent to the tracking chart.
• Give “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, many subjects could 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 certified fitness instructor may be asked in to instruct proper stretching techniques. Following that, most often an internal group is able to meet and run itself. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to vary the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for worksite stretching:
• Be sure to work with your Senior Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches should 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 most likely arise, especially if someone reports an associated stretching injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your business workers’ compensation carrier to help in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

Bring in a professional massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are performed fully clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that fully supports the neck and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are generally 15 minutes, with a mean 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 necessary to support a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which might establish a regular massage schedule. Get an agreement with upper management so staff members 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 good way to nurture employees’ creative side and help them manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies on a monthly basis and let 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. Encourage staff members 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 Corporate Wellness Program Committee to gather ideas initially, and then ask the participants of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Follow all company rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are great stress management tools. Urge employees to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Distribute a sign up sheet. See who would be able 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, providing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration on the part of the hobbyist.