Tying wellness activities into holiday themes is a strategy widely used to create interest and participation. Nevertheless, be aware that offering holiday activities in the workplace can create issues.
Your worksite might have policies and guidelines already in place about issues such as appropriate decorations themes, work time, etc. Be certain to check with upper-level management regarding all guidelines and policies.
Don’t forget to include and acknowledge the holiday celebrations of the various cultures or groups represented in your workforce. It’s ordinarily safer to use graphics, themes, and wording that are not specific to one culture, as others might feel left out.
Indeed, acknowledging diverse holidays, when done respectfully, can help familiarize your workforce with values and practices of different cultures and ethnic groups.
Several topical ideas for holiday themes include -
o Wellness committee members distribute “healthful heart valentines” to each employee for Valentine’s Day.
o Thanksgiving “turkey trot”. Staff Members who exercise three times a week for at least one-half hour between November 1 and 15 are entered into a drawing for a free turkey (can be purchased at the local grocery store or donated).
o Chinese New Year tai chi demonstration. Consider a follow-up worksite introductory tai chi class offering.
o Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/etc. holiday food potluck. Members of different cultural or ethnic groups bring in a dish reflective of their holiday traditions.
Each person can say several words about the origin and tradition behind the food. In this holiday theme, food doesn’t have to be low fat or especially healthful, since the purpose is enhancing cultural diversity, not counting calories.
Pre/Post Holiday Weigh In
Holiday weight gain can be a large health challenge. This wellness activity is fun, low-key, and assists employees monitor their weight during the holiday season.
o Participants weigh-in with a “trusted” confident before Thanksgiving. The weigh-ins could be conducted on the honor system, but weight should be recorded on a weight-tracking card. You could invite a local nurse or Weight Watchers representative to monitor weigh-ins.
o Staff Members set an individual goal of maintaining their weight from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.
o Weight cards are stored in a secure file location.
o Give weekly weight control hints. These ought to be posted next to the wellness bulletin board, sent via email, or provided in brochure form.
o Or, alternate the weekly hints with healthy recipe choices.
o Remind personnel of the necessity to continue exercise during the busy holiday season.
o Weigh everyone the first work day following New Year’s Day. Record the weight on the tracking card.
o Staff Members who’ve maintained their weight or who’ve lost weight receive a prize and award certificate.
o Workers who gained weight receive a certificate of completion and an invitation to continue participation in a related health weight wellness activity.
