Employee Wellness

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 committee must be composed of a cross-section of employees 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 company. Do not rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Make certain that your committee members have enough power in the company to run an effective wellness program.

The wellness committee is made up of workers from the workplace. It oversees the wellness program and assists 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 beginning, the committee may meet each week until things get going.

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

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

Planning the programs can include –

• Locating space for activities

• Planning and organizing worksite-wide events like contests

• Reviewing reports prepared by the program staff and making recommendations

Promoting the program can include –

• Recruiting employees to participate 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

• Helping to conduct worksite-wide activities

• Monitoring all activities and investigating  the performance of the expert staff

• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow employees

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

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 participate in programs at a lowered cost. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners.

Print names of committee members on business 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. Create awards certificates for members.

The following could 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 employees or more   6 to 12