The Works of a Wellness Committee

What does a Wellness Committee do? Minutes from committee meetings.
Wellness Committee Mission Statements.

Forming a wellness committee is so critical that no wellness program should be attempted without one. Drawing members from different work areas within the organization, a wellness committee establishes continuity, motivation, and broad ownership of the program.

The best way to understand what a wellness committee does, is to attend a few meetings. Our “fly on the wall” opportunity is provided here in the form of minutes from the wellness committee at a local worksite.

Meeting Minutes Examples    (Actual minutes from a local worksite)
  Jan 03   Mar 03

January 2003
Present: Sigrid, Cindy, Holly, Alice, Ted
Excused: Melissa, Jennifer, Cynthia, Sue

1. Those present approved the December 2002 minutes as written.
2. Snack Bowls: A lively discussion was held on what has been popular in the snack bowls, what items to continue and how to price items. It was agreed that the income from the trail mix covers the wastage of the fruit. A storage container with a handle and lid will be explored for ease in keeping and refilling the bowls in each unit. Current prices seem to be making ends meet, so no increases or formulas will be initiated at this point in time. Keeping as much food in the Wellness fridge works well for storage and preserving freshness. Sigrid volunteered to ask Sue and Jennifer to be coordinators in the future, with Alice and Ted filling in subsequent months.
3. Snack Bowls (2nd serving): Ted distributed a handout on “what is a healthy snack?” We discussed how to read labels, and putting the nutrition facts labels/ingredients of the snack bowl items on the new bulletin board when it is hung.
4. PA: A sign for the stairwells saying “thank you for taking the stairs” —to promote stair usage for those who are able to take the stairs—was shown and placement was discussed.
      We currently have the distances mapped out for outside trails. Sigrid will map out the stairways to determine the distance in miles/steps. We will have use of pedometers to loan out for staff use.
5. Old biz: Alice with check with Facilities on the availability of a bike rack for our building.
6. Next Meeting: February 12 at 3 PM.

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Worksite Wellness Committee Minutes

March 2003
Chair: Sigrid
Present: Sigrid, Alice, Jennifer, Ted, Cindy, Melissa
Excused: Holly, Sue

Cindy agreed to take minutes of this meeting.

1. February minutes approved without changes. Thank you's extended to Cynthia.
2. New rep: Due to her increased workload, Sue has resigned from the wellness Committee. Sigrid offered to approach other people in that unit to join the committee.
3. Wellness Board Update: Sigrid and Cynthia have completed the background of the bulletin board. Ted provided laminated topic headings and the Mission statement for future use on the board. Sigrid and Cynthia will continue to work on the board. Eventually, local shops that offer bulk and organic foods will be included on a list on the board.
4. Annual “Welcome Spring” Luncheon: Will be held 3/27/03. The Wellness Committee decided at the February meeting that the luncheon would be an ideal forum to promote healthy snack options. Holly will use leftover frozen bananas from the fruit bowls as well as ingredients purchased with grant money to provide sample servings of fruit smoothies. The grant money will also help cover the cost of a small variety of trail mixes; Cindy will provide the sample cups for the trail mixes as well as make some low/no fat muffins for people to try. The recipes and possibly nutrition information for these snacks will be posted on the Bulletin board. Reminder: Check with Holly as to bringing in blenders, cups, and additional ingredients (ice?) for the smoothies. Additionally, people will need to volunteer to work the table during the luncheon.
5. Snack Bowl Progress: Ted (this month’s snack coordinator) has noticed people are not eating the fresh fruit in the bowls. It was agreed that the committee still wanted to provide fresh fruit in the bowls, even if we bought smaller amounts for now. It was agreed that we would monitor fresh fruit purchases, especially for seasonal variability, and re-examine this issue later in the year.
6. Physical Activity: Regina has agreed (and received appropriate approval) to keep track of the pedometers and the sign-out sheets. Ted and Sigrid will continue to work on the walking routes and maps for posting on the wellness board and as flyers for people who sign out pedometers.
7. Other Survey Results: Sigrid and Cindy will work on including some information on the importance of “taking a break” during the work day. This will probably be included under the stress management heading on the bulletin board.
   • Management response to rescheduling meetings that regularly occur during lunch was met with some resistance but committee members are still trying to encourage alternate times for their luncheon meetings, thereby giving people a real breaktime during lunch.
8. New Business: There was a discussion about possibly improving the shower on the first floor. More discussion to follow.
9. Next Meeting: April 9th at 3PM