(Published October 19, 2009)
A little while ago, I found myself participating in a weight loss contest. Everyone threw $10 into the pot, and for an eight-week period, we each weighed in weekly. Only the person who held the money knew what everyone's weights were, and she published percentages only. At the end of the eight weeks, the winner took 65% of the pot (and a subscription to Cooking Light magazine), and the second place winner took the balance of the pot. Everyone had fun and we all got healthier.
This contest involved an online professional group. But a previous employer of mine had a similar contest every year. It was handled a little differently. No money was involved, and employees competed in teams of five, rather than individually. The winning team was the one that had the highest cumulative weight loss.
Still another employer didn't go for weight loss specifically, but offered a walking program. There was a nature trail that went past the facility; interested employees signed up and used their lunch hour to take a walk through the woods. If you wanted to take a granola bar or a piece of fruit with you, that was fine (as long as you didn't litter!). You got to break up your day a little, and got some exercise in the bargain.
I know of some large firms that have gyms on site (or have a health club in the same building), and of course, many of us are able to offer gym memberships, smoking cessation, Weight Watchers, and other programs through the health insurance plan. But I found that I had better luck with weight loss when I was working with others than I did working alone. I don't think I'm the only one who has had that experience. A little healthy competition (and I use the word advisedly) can improve working relationships, particularly in a team effort. And, of course, everyone ends up healthier, which is a win-win for everyone!
Of course, it's a given that any such programs must be voluntary. It's not going to be a pleasant experience for anyone if the employees feel they are being forced into it. Not to mention that in some circumstances, you might be walking a fine HIPAA line with that. But in a voluntary situation, an employee who has been considering losing weight, or getting exercise, or stopping smoking, might well appreciate being given the opportunity to do so. Often the incentive is all one needs to get going, and a ready-made program can look very inviting.
These programs can be entirely internal, or you can work with your health insurer. It's even possible that your EAP may have some programs you can run with. But no matter how large or small your company, there are always things you can do to help your employees (and yourself!) get healthier for little or no cost, and enjoy yourself in the process!
Catherine Bannon is an HR consultant in Marshfield, MA (catherine.bannon@gmail.com). Bannon worked for 10 years in HR management before starting her consulting practice.
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