Health And Wellness Programs

Wellness committees are important in that they develop a sense of ownership in the program, and facilitate various tasks involved in wellness programming at the workplace.

The committee must be composed of a cross-section of staff representing various occupations, levels, and subgroups with the organization.

A common mistake is filling the committee with the most health/fitness-conscious individuals  in the business. Don’t rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Be certain that your committee members have enough power in the business to run an effective health promotion program.

The wellness committee is made up of employees from the workplace. It oversees the health promotion program and helps carry it out.

The committee should meet about once a month to review the previous month’s activities and plan future ones. When the program is just starting, the committee may meet each week until things get going.

Committee members don’t carry out medical procedures, counsel clients, or handle confidential health information. Wellness specialists perform these tasks.

In general, the committee’s duties fall into three areas –  planning, promoting, and assisting to run programs.

Creating the programs can include –

• Finding space for activities

• Developing and organizing worksite-wide events such as contests

• Reviewing reports prepared by the program staff and making recommendations

Marketing the program can include –

• Recruiting employees to take part in screening and health improvement programs

• Encouraging workers to participate in follow-up counseling

• Organizing promotional strategies using newsletters, signs, bulletin boards, computers, and other media available within the workplace

Helping to run the program can include –

• Setting up equipment for various activities

• Assisting to conduct worksite-wide activities

• Monitoring all activities and reviewing  the performance of the professional staff

• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow staff members

The size of the wellness committee will be dependent on the size of the organization. Select members by asking day management to nominate or appoint staff members.

Make an announcement through flyers, memos, and meetings to recruit potential members. Explain the purpose of the committee, duties and responsibilities, and the time commitment.

Recognize your wellness committee volunteers. Allow them to take part in programs at a reduced cost. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners.

Print names of committee members on company communications about the wellness program.

Buy special T-shirts, caps, and buttons for them. Write letters to supervisors saying that you appreciate the member’s service. Develop awards certificates for members.

The following can be used as a guide for committee size –    

• Less than 300 employees   2 to 4

• 300 to 1,000 employees   4 to 6

• 1,000 workers or more   6 to 12