Employee Wellness Program - need input

[Oakie]

One of my deliverables at work this year is to create a Wellness Program for our employees. Any constructive suggestions as to what is good and what is not in such a thing would be appreciated.

We are a not-for-profit so don't have a big bucket of money. Already discarded the standard gym memberships because of the cost.

Some thoughts:

Skin cancer screening
Sleep support
Meditation / mindfulness
flu vaccinations (done that for years anyway)
yoga / pilates introduction (not a full course, just a sampler)
Stop Smoking program
Masturbating for fitness ... (yeah OK, I made that one up)

Our staff demographic is wide. 75% female, age ranges from 20 through to 72 ... average about 50, probably 10 different nationalities represented.

Any suggestions on what to do or not to do? Oh, I don't need to hear if you thing Wellness is a load of wank. It's something I have to do regardless of what people think so anti-Wellness thoughts are immaterial.

And yes, the biggest Wellness thing for me is twice a day I get to ride my bike. (hmm, perhaps I can swing a petrol subsidy under 'Wellness'.)

[Gremlin]

A client has subsidised gym memberships (not entirely paid), also periodic massages, where people can book slots?

Also, an owner has a young dog the staff have nicknamed their wellness dog, and she does the rounds for affection.

Our boss has a very young pup, and one engineer has tried to buy popularity with chicken at lunchtime. Only problem is she's a very close shade to the carpet, so can be easily missed.

[Voltaire]

Breakfasts with Moet.
We have all that at work, but most of the guys think its a load of wank.
Nominate an employee who made a difference program
They had a bring you pet to work day but that was a bit of nightmare from a cleaning perspective.
I too have two sessions most days, the ride too and from the office, and chat to the CEO who rides a Harley.

[Woodman]

For $20 you can buy 3 bottles of cheap wine which should keep a couple of people happy for a few hours, but seriously its a hard one cos lots of employees are wary of "programs/ initiatives". Do something that makes them laugh, have fun, keep it casual.

[GazzaH]

Definitely think about mental wellbeing. De-stressing generally and support for those who need it (but might not know it). Chill out zones maybe, and 'days off in lieu' for people who have been working too hard.

Well organised 'team building' events can be fantastic safety valves and great fun. Loads of possibilities there.

I met a senior IT manageress once who said she ran 'junkyard wars' every so often for her department - like the TV show but for real. I wanted to marry her there and then but she was taken, and so was I.

[Oakie]

Definitely think about mental wellbeing. De-stressing generally and support for those who need it (but might not know it). Chill out zones maybe, and 'days off in lieu' for people who have been working too hard. .

Mental wellbeing and stress is in forefront of my mind as I've had some issues myself over the past 15 months or so (work related anxiety). Sucks big time! Feeling good today though.

[Blackbird]

Get some perspective by contacting your local Employers and Manufacturers Association. They should have access to best practice examples.

[Akzle]

hookers for lunch.
pants-optional thursdays.
minimum blood-alcohol content to attend meetings.
(pork) spit roast fridays.
bring your kids to work and hit someone elses for a change.
wife swap.
hannukah.
secret satan (not a typo).
issue everyone firearms.
forward chain-emails.
discuss the benefits of accepting jesus christ as your lord and saviour. start a "fortunately-unfortunately"
play hackey sack at lunch.
reefer vending machines.


vote akzle.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Masturbating for fitness ... (yeah OK, I made that one up)

I've been doing that for years and yet am still unfit. Clearly not working....


Do you have room anywhere for a heavy bag and a couple pairs of boxing gloves... that does wonders for my wellnesses

[HenryDorsetCase]

My work presently is the best work I have ever had.

We all go out for lunch of a Friday (no alcohol) and have after work drinks if anyone wants them on Friday. The key is the attitude of the senior staff. Of which I are one. We try and keep it relaxed and positive. There are a lot of downsides to sharing an office but one of the upsides is approachability and a level playing field. We are not hierarchical at all in terms of yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir. Its just some of us have more responsibility than others because we have been shovelling shit for longer.

[jellywrestler]

three bags full sir.

you used to be able to get a job at a circus with that deformity, probably not pc to have one of those circuses now though.

[eldog]

I worked for a company once that offered 3 free counselling sessions with this counselling company but it was a waste of the company's money as the counselling company were not interested in work related problems only out of work problems.

Any sexual problems?



i just Cannane remember that TV program where that was spoken.

just maybe it was for out of work problems that affected the workflow.
like riding in a group....
working with others
adjusting and understanding other viewpoints.

most problems outside work are usually
family
money
mental-in your head
the green eyed monster

[AllanB]

I've been doing that for years and yet am still unfit.

Seriously you need to pull your weight around the place .....

[TheDemonLord]

A couple of companies I've been involved with have run a lunchtime bootcamp/crossfit/excercise thing - where they get a personal trainer to come in at lunch, and they go out to the carpark and do various exercises.

[AllanB]

We have:

Free eye tests,
Subsidized glasses/contacts (up to $100 from the company)
Annual health check if you want one - pretty basic - blood pressure, weight etc
Flu jabs pre Winter.
They have jacked up a discounted fuel card with BP
Discount at Noel Leemings (cost plus 10%)

Currently running a fitness/weight loss contest and supplied a PT for a couple of weekly sessions.

And they have a confidential support company you can go to if you find yourself standing on the train track at lunchtime (high stress job).

If you can fund the eye tests (Spec Savers will do you a company deal) it's appreciated by the team, ditto flu shots.