Wellness Programs : Health Promotion Program Committee.

Wellness committees are important in that they create a sense of ownership in the health promotion program, and facilitate various tasks involved in health promotion 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 people  in the organization. Do not rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Make sure that your committee members have enough power in the organization to run an effective wellness program.

The wellness committee is made up of staff from the worksite. 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 wellness program is just beginning, the committee may meet weekly until things get going.

Committee members do not 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 helping to run health promotion programs.

Planning the health promotion programs can include -

• Finding space for activities

• Planning and organizing worksite-wide events like contests

• Evaluating reports prepared by the health promotion program staff and making recommendations

Promoting the health promotion program can include -

• Recruiting workforce to take part in screening and health promotion programs

• Encouraging staff to participate in follow-up counseling

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

Assisting to run the health promotion program can include -

• Setting up equipment for various activities

• Assisting to conduct worksite-wide activities

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

• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow employees

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

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 wellness 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. Create 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 employees or more   6 to 12