Posts from — May 2010

Tying wellness activities into holiday themes is a strategy commonly used to develop interest and participation. Nevertheless, be aware that offering holiday activities in the workplace can develop issues.

Your workplace may have policies and guidelines already in place about issues such as appropriate decorations themes, work time, etc. Make sure to check with management regarding all guidelines and policies.

Don’t forget to include and acknowledge the holiday celebrations of the various cultures or groups represented in your workforce. It’s normally safer to use graphics, themes, and wording that aren’t specific to one culture, as others might feel left out.

In truth, acknowledging diverse holidays, if done respectfully, can help familiarize your workforce with values and practices of different cultures and ethnic groups.

A few topical ideas for holiday themes include -

• Wellness committee members distribute “healthful heart valentines” to each staff member for Valentine’s Day.

• Thanksgiving “turkey trot”. Staff Members who exercise three times a week for at least one-half hour between November 1 and 15 are entered into a drawing for a free turkey (can be purchased at the local grocery store or donated).

• Chinese New Year tai chi demonstration. Consider a follow-up worksite introductory tai chi class offering.

• Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/etc. holiday food potluck. Members of different cultural or ethnic groups bring in a dish reflective of their holiday traditions.

Each individuals can say several words about the origin and tradition behind the food. In this holiday theme, food does not have to be low fat or namely healthful, since the purpose is enhancing cultural diversity, not counting calories.

Pre/Post Holiday Weigh In

Holiday weight gain may be a large health challenge. This wellness activity is fun, low-key, and helps employees monitor their weight during the holiday season.

• Participants weigh-in with a “trusted” confident before Thanksgiving. the weigh-ins might  be conducted on the honor system, but weight should be recorded on a weight-tracking card. You might invite a local nurse or Weight Watchers representative to monitor weigh-ins.

• Employees set a personal goal of maintaining their weight from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.

• Weight cards are stored in a secure file location.

• Give weekly weight control hints. These ought to be posted next to the wellness bulletin board, sent via email, or provided in  pamphlet form.

• Or, alternate the weekly hints with healthy recipe choices.

• Remind staff members of the necessity to continue physical activity during the busy holiday season.

• Weigh everybody the first work day following New Year’s Day. Record the weight on the tracking card.

• Workers who have maintained their weight or who have lost weight receive a prize and award certificate.

• Workers who gained weight receive a certificate of completion and an invitation to continue participation in a related health weight wellness activity.