Corporate Wellness Blog

Brown bag presentations are a great way to create awareness about selected health subject matters. Community health professionals will often provide 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, monetary health, etc.

Considerations for brown bag presentations:
• Brown bag sessions are effective for awareness building. This seed planting process can help staff members become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Don’t schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will give folks an opportunity to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is sensitive, 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, show up if the focus is on supporting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Make sure that employees hear valuable 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 must 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 issues that can’t be covered in one session could be provided in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week instead of several sessions in one week. For 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 draw visitors to the event. An example of this would be calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, offer a free healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a regular monthly time and day for lunchtime classes.
• If employees work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical areas, devise 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 employees.
2. Every area has a myriad of people, 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 options to lead worksite sessions free or at a low cost. Many of these contacts will also provide inexpensive materials.
3. Topic videos may be used for a brown bag session.