Health Promotion committees are important in that they develop a sense of ownership in the program, and facilitate various tasks involved in health promotion 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 company. Do not rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Make sure that your committee members have enough power in the company to run an effective health promotion program.
The wellness committee is made up of employees from the workplace. It oversees the health promotion program and assists carry it out.
The committee ought to meet about once a month to review the previous month’s activities and plan future ones. When the program is just starting, the committee may meet on a weekly basis until things get going.
Committee members don’t carry out medical procedures, counsel clients, or handle confidential medical information. Health Promotion experts perform these tasks.
In general, the committee’s duties fall into three areas – planning, promoting, and assisting to run programs.
Creating the programs can include –
• Locating space for activities
• Creating and organizing worksite-wide events such as contests
• Assessing reports prepared by the program staff and making recommendations
Promoting the program can include –
• Recruiting employees to participate in screening and health betterment 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
Assisting to run the program can include –
• Establishing up equipment for various activities
• Helping to conduct worksite-wide activities
• Monitoring all activities and reviewing 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. 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 participate in programs at a decreased cost. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners.
Print names of committee members on company communications about the health promotion program.
Purchase 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
