Health Promotion committees are important in that they create a sense of ownership in the wellness program, and facilitate various tasks involved in wellness programming at the workplace.
The committee must be composed of a cross-section of workers 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 organization. Don’t rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Be certain that your committee members have enough power in the organization to run an effective wellness program.
The wellness committee is made up of personnel from the workplace. It oversees the health promotion 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 health promotion program is just beginning, the committee may meet each week until things get going.
Committee members don’t carry out medical procedures, counsel customers, or handle confidential medical information. Wellness professionals perform these tasks.
In general, the committee’s duties fall into three areas – planning, promoting, and assisting to run wellness programs.
Planning the health promotion programs can include –
• Locating space for activities
• Planning and organizing workplace-wide events like contests
• Analyzing reports prepared by the health promotion program staff and making recommendations
Marketing the wellness program can include –
• Recruiting staff members to participate in screening and health promotion programs
• Encouraging staff to take part in follow-up counseling
• Organizing promotional strategies using newsletters, signs, bulletin boards, computers, and other media available within the worksite
Assisting to run the wellness program can include –
• Setting up equipment for various activities
• Assisting to conduct worksite-wide activities
• Monitoring all activities and assessing the performance of the specialist staff
• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow workers
The size of the wellness committee are going to be dependent on the size of the organization. Choose members by asking day management to nominate or appoint staff members.
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 decreased 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 staff members or more 6 to 12
