Health Wellness Newsletters

In today’s company environment, the health of workers is often related to the health of the company. Increased job satisfaction, improved morale, decreased disease and injuries, and increased productivity are just some advantages of having healthful workers.

Promoting health in your worksite does not have to be complicated, costly or time-consuming. Any corporation, big or small, can promote healthy eating and active living in the worksite. Here are some suggestions -

Healthy Eating

o  For breakfast meetings, in lieu of serving donuts, big muffins, cookies, tea and coffee with cream and sugar, offer healthier alternatives such as bagels, small muffins, fresh fruit, water, 100% fruit juice and milk with coffee and tea.

o  For lunch meetings, avoid serving chips, fried foods, rich pastas, and salads loaded with dressing. Instead, offer sandwiches, bagels, whole grain low fat crackers and cheese, 100  percent fruit juice, water, salads with dressing on the side, vegetable and fruit trays.

o  Reimburse employees for items purchased to improve their health (e.g. healthy eating cookbooks, consultation with a Registered Dietitian).

o  Arrange for the cafeteria or food vendors to offer healthful food choices.

o  Arrange to have healthful choices like bottled water, 100% fruit juice, fruit bars, and raisins available in vending machines.

o  Give a means for people  to share healthful recipes with each other (for example, posting recipes on the Intranet, on posters or by e-mail).

Active Living

o  Plan events and group activities to encourage workers to become active, such as walking programs, contests and challenge events, stretch breaks, team sports or participation in local or provincial events.

o  Offer onsite health specialists (e.g. personal trainers, fitness instructors) or incorporate this service in employee assistance programs to help personnel work towards physical activity goals.

o  Give a supportive environment in the workplace that makes healthful choices easy - bicycle racks, shower facilities, clean, safe and accessible stairwells, walking or running routes close to the workplace, and gym facilities.

o  Allow for flex time so that staff have more opportunities to participate in exercise programs as part of their working day.

o  Reimburse workforce for full or partial club membership fees, fitness class registrations, and fitness equipment buys.

o  Provide corporate gym memberships to reduce costs of individual memberships.

Keeping It Fresh!

Find a champion to -

o  Organize lunch “n learn sessions to provide information and motivation for healthful consuming and active living.

o  Invite demonstrators to provide cooking lessons or tips for making healthful foods.

o  Post a rotating list in a common room of local restaurants that offer healthy food options on their menus.

o  Distribute information to educate workforce on portion sizes.

o  Include physical activity and nutrition information in newsletters, pay check inserts, bulletin boards or e-mails.

o  Plan activities that promote healthful consuming and physical activity. for  instance, start a year-round lunch-time walking club, and special activities