Posted by Health Handouts | Posted in Health Handouts, Health Tips | Posted on 23-05-2009
Wellness committees are important in that they create a sense of ownership in the program, and facilitate various tasks involved in wellness programming at the workplace. The Worksite Wellness Program Committee must be composed of a cross-section of staff members representing various occupations, levels, and subgroups with the employer.
A common mistake is filling the Company Wellness Program Committee with the most health/fitness-conscious people in the organization. Don’t rely solely on volunteers to fill a Company Wellness Program Committee. Make sure that your Company Wellness Program Committee participants have enough authority in the organization to run an effective wellness program.
The Worksite Wellness Program Committee is made up of staff members from the worksite. It oversees the wellness program and helps carry it out. The Worksite Wellness Program 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 Worksite Wellness Program Committee may meet on a weekly basis until things get going.
Committee members do not carry out health care procedures, counsel clients, or handle confidential health information. Wellness professionals perform these tasks.
In general, the Corporate Wellness Program Committee’s duties fall into three areas: planning, promoting, and assisting to run programs.
Planning the programs can include:
• Finding space for activities
• Beginning and organizing workplace-wide events such as contests
• Reviewing reports prepared by the program employee and making recommendations
Promoting the program can include:
• Recruiting employees to take part in assessment and health improvement programs
• Encouraging workers to take part 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
• Helping to conduct workplace-wide activities
• Monitoring all activities and reviewing the success of the professional employee
• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow staff members
The size of the Workplace Wellness Program Committee will be dependent on the size of the employer. Pick participants by asking day management to nominate or appoint staff members.
Make an announcement through flyers, memos, and gatherings to recruit potential members. Explain the purpose of the Employee Wellness Program Committee, duties and responsibilities, and the time commitment.
Recognize your Worksite Wellness Program Committee volunteers. Allow them to participate in programs at a reduced expense. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners. Print names of Worksite Wellness Program Committee participants on employer communications about the wellness program.
Purchase 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 Employee Wellness Program Committee size:
• Less than 300 staff members 2 to 4
• 300 to 1,000 employees 4 to 6
• 1,000 employees or more 6 to 12