Wellness Program Incentives

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

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

• Members choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Participants weigh in with a “trusted” partner privately – at which time a healthy weight goal is set for the course of the contest.
• Display a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Members weigh themselves weekly and submit the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is given in relation to a starting weight of zero. By way of 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 current and put up in public by the Corporate Health Promotion Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” nearby 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 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 an effective way to safely start work. A professional fitness instructor may be asked in to instruct proper stretching techniques. After that, most frequently an internal group can meet and run independently. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for worksite stretching:
• See that you work with your Senior Leadership Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches ought to be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are done on an employee’s personal time, the question of business liability will probably 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 assist in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Worksite Chair Massage

Bring in a certified massage therapist to provide chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are done completely clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that completely supports the head and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually fifteen 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 significant to support a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which could establish a regular massage schedule. Get an agreement with management so staff members can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time.  Note: 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 allow them to manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies once a month and let the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later that day. Or, feature employee creativity during certain months or times of the year. Encourage workers to display their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up an email list of coworkers who wish to receive an inspirational, humorous or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask participants of the Corporate Health Promotion 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 company rules concerning work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are good stress management tools. Urge staff members to display 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 exercise or brown bag that allows interested staff members to interact. Or, hobby sharing may 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.