Wellness committees are important in that they create a sense of ownership in the program, and facilitate various tasks involved in wellness programming at the workplace. The committee should be composed of a cross-section of employees representing various occupations, levels, and subgroups within the organization.

A common mistake is filling the committee with the most health/fitness-conscious people in the company. Don't rely solely on volunteers to fill a committee. Make sure that your committee members have enough power in the company to run an effective wellness program.

The wellness committee is made up of employees from the workplace. It oversees the wellness program and helps carry it out. The committee should 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 do not carry out medical procedures, counsel clients, or handle confidential health information. Wellness professionals perform these tasks.

In general, the committee's duties fall into three areas: planning, promoting, and helping to run programs.

Planning the programs can include:

• Finding space for activities



• Planning and organizing worksite-wide events such as contests



• Reviewing reports prepared by the program staff and making recommendations

Promoting the program can include:

• Recruiting workers to take part in screening and health improvement programs



• Encouraging workers to take part in follow-up counseling



• Organizing promotional strategies using newsletters, signs, bulletin boards, computers, and other media available within the workplace

Helping to run the program can include:

• Setting up equipment for various activities



• Helping to conduct worksite-wide activities



• Monitoring all activities and reviewing the performance of the professional staff



• Acting as wellness mentors to fellow employees

The size of the wellness committee will be dependent on the size of the organization. Pick members by asking day management to nominate or appoint employees.

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 reduced cost. Hold appreciation breakfasts/lunches/dinners. Print names of committee members on company communications about the wellness 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 can be used as a guide for committee size: