Wellness Program

[lioness]

I want to start a wellness program where I work. If you are involved in one where you work what does it involve? What are the reactions of your co-workers? What has been your experience?

Thanks,

 

[Clarissa]

I am in Human Resources and I have the ability to start up one at my organization - especially given the fact that I am also a personal trainer! The biggest piece of advice I can offer is that you MUST get buy-in from the management staff. Without their support, you don't have a leg to stand on. I am speaking from experience here.

Good luck

Clarissa

 

[materialsgirl]

Good for you!

The wellness program at my company includes things like:
*a quarterly newsletter about various health topics and news, and healthy recipes
*a variety of healthy lifestyle "competitions" throughout the year, like:
MoonWalk walking program - individuals wear pedometers every day to track mileage, and aim to meet certain mileage goals by certain dates to win prizes
Holiday "No New Pounds" program - teams of 4 people work on maintaining their weight over the holidays, and earn points for doing certain healthy behaviors. Teams with the most points win prizes.

*monthly health screenings that check weight, BMI, blood cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure
*discounts negotiated with local health clubs
*free on-site fitness and nutrition counseling with a registered dietician
*Cookouts on Fridays in the summer where healthy grilled foods are sold for lunch (grilled chicken, lean burgers and veggie burgers)
*Healthy recipe tastings
*Brown Bag Seminars featuring speakers from local hospitals and fitness centers, talking about topics like reading nutrition labels on food, putting together a healthy menu for your family, how to get started with an exercise program, etc

These are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. Hope these ideas help get you started! Let me know if you have any questions or want more information.

 

[tneah]

I know our company does something called "Walk the Talk". They give out pedometers, offer incentives, work with local businesses, flu shots, etc...I work from home in Vegas, the company is based out of SLC, so I am not personally involved, but it is really popular.

 

[MRSchultz]

I am so interested in hearing all these ideas. I started to put a wellness program together at work, but got NO help from administration so it didn't go far. I ended up forking out my own money for prizes, etc. So, Clarissa, I totally agree with you - if you don't have back up you are fighting a losing battle.

GOOD LUCK!
Marcia.

P.S. I was working on a "Survivor" type competition at one time where people would be on teams and work towards a goal (i.e. drink 8 glasses of water per day, etc.). At the end of the week if your team didn't do the challenge you had to vote someone off, etc. I never had enough time to finalize everything, but if someone is interested I'd love to toss around some ideas and maybe get something together.

 

[Gayle]

My employer started a Weight Watchers at Work group a few years ago and offered fee matching so it was half price to join. I think members also received a free pedometer when they joined as well.

Several people lost a lot of weight and have kept it off!