Employee Health Promotion

Brown bag presentations are a great way to create awareness about selected health issues. Community health professionals will often offer presentations of a half hour or less at no charge. Use employee interest surveys to follow up on employee interests that are expressed. The definition of health is broad, so brown bag presentations may also cover a wide variety of issues. Topics may include physical, mental, emotional, women’s health, men’s health, financial health, etc. Considerations for brown bag presentations:

• Brown bag sessions are good for awareness building. This seed planting process can help employees become more proactive about healthy choices.
• Do not schedule the program for the full hour – usually 40 minutes or so works best. This will give folks a chance to come and go, grab a quick bite, ask questions, etc.
• If the subject matter is of a sensitive nature, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc., people may be reluctant to attend for fear of being associated publicly with the issue. They will, however, show up if the focus is on supporting family members, coworkers, etc.
• Ensure that employees hear valuable information and will leave with tools and resources to carry out the message. Work with the presenter on information strategies that work for your employee group.
• Promotional materials ought to publicize the program with a name that speaks to the brown bag focus. Include all other pertinent information such as where, who, when, etc.
• Some issues that can’t be covered in one session could be available in a short series. It will work best to schedule one session each week rather than several sessions in one week. For example, you might offer a 3-week series on healthy eating rather than trying to cram all the information into one session.
• A catchy title can draw people to the event. An example of this might include calling lunchtime presentations “Noonlighting”
• If possible, offer a no cost healthy snack for employees who attend.
• To maintain momentum, try setting up a routine monthly time and day for lunchtime classes.
• If employees work in shift or are in work groups in different geographical locations, establish a plan that offers equal attendance opportunity to all.

Resources:

1. 1. Check the idea list at the end of this guide which offers a variety of resource issues of interest to employees.
2. 2. Every area has a myriad of individuals, experts, or specialists from voluntary groups (heart, cancer, lung associations), special interest groups (Y’s, Red Cross, Weight Watcher’s, Safety Council, Alcoholics Anonymous), or the local health department as possibilities to lead worksite sessions at no cost or at a low cost. Many of these contacts might also offer inexpensive materials.
3. 3. Topic videos can be used for a brown bag session.