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Worksite Wellness

Step 3: Establish a Wellness Committee

Steps to getting started

A critical first step in organizing your company’s wellness program is the formation of a wellness committee. The focus of the wellness committee is to plan, promote, and implement the program. The committee establishes continuity, motivation, and broad ownership of the program as well as provides an excellent vehicle for communication.

So who should be on the committee? Consider appointing the following people/departments to your committee:

  • Top management within your company
  • Union representatives
  • Human resources department
  • Employee assistance program
  • Information technology
  • Communications
  • Health and safety department
  • Employees interested in health and wellness

Building a successful worksite wellness program requires staff time as well as money. Some larger organizations may spend 20 hours per week for three to six months preparing all the steps prior to launching a worksite wellness program.

Anywhere from 4 to 10 people meeting monthly equals a wellness committee. A mission statement for the committee should be developed by the second meeting. This way, everyone knows what the committee is working toward.

Download sample minutes from a local worksite.

Once a wellness program has been established, the committee’s size and meeting schedule may change. Still, no fewer than four members should meet at least quarterly so the group — and the wellness program — does not fade away.

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