by admin on August 22, 2009
Every worksite will have staff members who will not participate in provided worksite wellness activities. But these same staff members may be following many healthy practices in their daily living. A wonderful wellness program must give these individuals credit and recognition for their wonderful work.
Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal achievement is a good approach for reinforcing what individuals are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who do not like group activities. Suggested steps for individual objectives and recognition include:
• A form workers can fill out which includes the set goal(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic objectives and goals, as individuals frequently overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s wonderful to remind employees “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee goal forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each participant’s goal date. This reminder could be a copy of their original goal form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their goal(s): completed the goal, need an extension, or have discontinued the goal.
• When the form is returned from an employee:
1. If an employee has completed the objective, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the objective (if possible).
2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the objective, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to promote the employee.
3. If the objective is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and advocate the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set goals/objectives any time and as frequently as they want.
by admin on August 21, 2009
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 individuals do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work. After a certain number of miles or steps are logged, staff members 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:
• Periodic announcements about neighborhood walking programs. Keep abreast of programs in the neighborhood, Parks & Recreation programs, available tracks, inside walking options, volkswalking programs, etc.
• Regualr information specific to walkers; such as what to look for when buying a pair of walking shoes.
• Consider a worksite team 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 support the option for those who are interested in group walks and activities.
Health Awareness Video Programming
Many great health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low costs. Choose video programming based on employee interests and needs.
• Schedule periodic health video viewings at lunchtime brown bag sessions.
• The videos can be related to health or other related wellness topics like financial 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 Company Wellness Program Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet people, and lead a brief discussion after the video. Develop 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 flyers for participants to take with them for more information on the topic.
• If possible, support popcorn or fruit as a snack.
• Provide 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 workplace 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.
• Join these success story employees with employees struggling with similar health issues.
• Both employees participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.
• A Workplace 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 staff members.
