Employees as wellness champions
Getting the boss on board is essential, but research shows what really makes a difference is peer support. The most successful wellness programmes use key employees to spread the word, encourage and support. Every workplace has its natural leaders. They're the organisers, the 'can do' types. Seek them out and use them. To find potential leaders, you could:
- call for volunteers
- seek nominations
- ask managers for recommendations
- use established leaders.
Some people will already be running informal groups such as lunchtime jogging and weekend cycling. Ask them if they want to extend their role. Use them as your field generals and channel important information through them. As an added incentive, write this new role into their job description or personal development plan.
