Wellness Program Incentives

Walking Club

Walking clubs or “trekking” can either be done in real time (by scheduling walking groups), or clubs can be set it up so people do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work. Following a certain number of miles or steps are logged, workers are eligible for membership into the walking “club” and receive something like a prize (a walking pin, similar to the ones that volkswalkers get, or a certificate of membership). Ways to continue interest in walking groups include:

• Regualr announcements about community walking programs. Keep abreast of programs in the community, Parks & Recreation programs, available tracks, inside walking options, volkswalking programs, etc.
• Periodic information specific to walkers; such as what to look for when buying a pair of walking shoes.
• Consider a worksite group to participate in a local fundraiser walk, such as the March of Dimes walk.
• A walking club can be the kind of “club” that never really meets, or it can be the kind that does offer the option for those who are interested in group walks and programs.

Health Awareness Video Programming

Many great health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low expenditures. Choose video programming based on employee interests and needs.

• Have periodic health video viewings at lunchtime brown bag sessions.
• The videos can be related to health or other related wellness issues like monetary planning, caring for aging parents, or even humor as a “break” from the work routine.
• Preview videos before showing them to insure they are appropriate, not too long, etc.
• Have a Workplace Health Promotion Program Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet people, and lead a brief discussion after the video. Establish one or two questions for discussion after previewing the video and use these to lead the discussion. Many health videos come with group discussion questions.
• Supply a pertinent educational handouts for participants to take with them for more information on the topic.
• If possible, offer popcorn or fruit as a snack.
• Offer a prize drawing (or points if you are doing that kind of incentive program) for those attending the video program and discussion.

Wellness Mentors

Every worksite generally has at least a couple of workers who have successfully made changes in their health. Often, other workers will relate to one of their peers. Peer support can go a long ways in encouraging healthy changes.

• Seek volunteers from the work force who have experienced a disease resulting from an unhealthy behavior, or survived or recovered from a disease that just happens like breast cancer, and who have successfully made positive changes.
• Connect these success story workers with workers struggling with similar health concerns.
• Both workers participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.
• A Company Health Promotion Program Committee person can be involved from a peripheral standpoint, and be available to share other resources that might be significant to both employees.