Drug Education and Intervention in the Workplace

Hollywood Stars or American Celebrities

This is another fun activity focusing on healthy weight loss or maintenance.

• Members choose a secret code name (the name of a Hollywood star or other celebrity).
• Members weigh in with a “trusted” partner in private – at which time a healthy weight goal is set for the period of the contest.
• Post a chart with everyone’s secret name assigning each a starting weight of zero.
• Participants weigh themselves every week and submit the weight with their code name on the paper.
• Weight is reported in relation to a beginning weight of zero. For example +4 would indicate a weight gain of four pounds; while -2 would indicate a weight loss of two pounds.
• Future weigh-ins ought to be in relation to the starting weight, not the previous week’s weight.
• The chart is kept current and put up publicly by the Corporate Wellness Program Committee.
• Post a “weight control hint of the week” nearby the tracking chart.
• Offer “take one” handouts on weight management education or motivational tips by the chart.
• Celebrate employee progress at the end of the activity.

Wellness Book/Journal Club and/or Book Exchange

Similar to any other book discussion group, the readings and focus of this group is health. With a broad “health” definition, a myriad of topics might be appropriate including communication, self-improvement, relationships, money management, environment, ecology, recreation, cooking, etc. Let the group choose the subject matters and books. Another suggested idea is to establish a book swap area where readers can trade the book(s) for those that others have left for trade.

Pre-Work Stretching Group

A few minutes of gentle stretching is a great way to safely start work. A professional fitness instructor may be asked in to teach proper stretching techniques. Following that, most often an internal group can meet and run independently. Offer periodic refresher sessions with the trainer or instructor to change up the routine and help keep participants motivated.

Considerations for worksite stretching:
• Make sure you work with your Upper Management Team for stretching endorsement.
• Stretches should be taught by a knowledgeable and qualified person.
• Although pre-work stretches are performed on an employee’s personal time, the question of business liability will likely arise, particularly if someone reports an associated muscular injury. Check with your employer’s legal counsel and/or contact your business workers’ compensation provider to help in design of an employee release of liability waiver.

Job Site Chair Massage

Bring in a certified massage therapist to offer chair massage at the employees’ expense. These massages are performed completely clothed with the recipient seated in a chair. The therapist brings in a special chair that completely supports the head and shoulders while an upper body massage is given. Sessions are usually fifteen minutes, with an average cost between $12.00 – $15.00 for each session. Post a sign up sheet with appointments at intervals recommended by the therapist. Be sure the therapist is licensed. It will be crucial to provide a private space. A group of “regulars” may evolve which could establish a regular massage schedule. Get an agreement with senior staff so employees can trade massage time for coffee or personal break time.  Note: senior staff may want the therapist to supply proof of liability insurance.

Art at Work

Art can be a good way to nurture employees’ creative side and allow them to manage stress at the same time. Bring in various art and craft supplies on a monthly basis and allow the creative juices flow. If participants are willing, have a temporary “art show” later on. Or, feature employee creativity during certain months or times of the year. Encourage employees to display their art in their personal work areas.

Healthy Email-a-Week

Set up an email list of coworkers who wish to receive an inspirational, funny or educational health quote, thought, tip or idea once a week by email. Ask members of the Corporate Health Promotion Program Committee to collect ideas initially, and then ask the members of the email list to offer ideas and information as time goes on. Adhere to all business rules regarding work time and email protocols.

Hobby Show or Demonstrations

Hobbies are wonderful stress management tools. Urge workers to show off their talents by sponsoring a “hobby fair” or demonstration. Send around a sign up sheet. See who would be willing to bring in samples of their hobby, and maybe even do a live demonstration. Fairs or demonstrations can be scheduled as a group exercise or brown bag that allows interested workers to interact. Or, hobby sharing is able to be done in groupings by topic over a scheduled period of time, providing for a brief presentation and/or demonstration on the part of the hobbyist.