There is no doubt about it that some of the most successful worksite wellness programs are supported by a network of enthusiastic employees at the grassroots level. Most organizations call them "Wellness Champions" and they are the drivers for building a culture of wellness and encouraging participation in a company’s wellness program.
The benefits of these champions our numerous including providing a trusted resource for employees, improving teamwork, and increasing awareness of wellness opportunities.
So after you've recruited your team, how do engage and empower them to be the best? Follow these seven tips to help cultivate a winning network:
- Educate wellness champions on wellness program and provide resources to integrate wellness into the workday.
- Develop online "kit" to house made ready made resources for wellness champions
- Maintain ongoing communication via electronic newsletters, in person meetings, email updates and social media
- Provide champions with a special name badge to proudly display their status
- Keep it simple and fun
- Establish an annual awards program to recognize the wellness champions' contributions and involve the leadership team in the celebration
- Include input/feedback from wellness champions into wellness program
Wellness Champions play a vital role in the success of wellness programs and when you educate, empower and reward them, you'll find they can be valuable resource.
