At OnSite Wellness, we know that even the best wellness programs need a little help getting off the ground. That’s where one of our 10 best practices comes in — Champion Networks & Committees.
These internal advocates are essential for creating a culture of wellness that’s both responsive and relatable.
What Is a Champion Network?
Think of a Champion Network as your wellness program’s boots on the ground. These are the employees who are passionate about well-being and willing to spread the word, encourage participation, and bring feedback to the table. They serve as a bridge between leadership, wellness teams, and employees.
And it’s not just about spreading information. Champion Networks help listen to what people really want. Are employees excited about the current programming? Are the times convenient? Is the incentive motivating? Champions gather this input and pass it on to wellness committees, helping to shape programming that’s useful and relevant.
Why committees matter
Wellness Committees help guide the overall direction of your wellness efforts. They work closely with champions to interpret feedback and look at what’s working (and what isn’t). They also make sure wellness efforts align with company goals and values.
When Champion Networks and Committees work hand in hand, they:
- Amplify communication and awareness of wellness programs.
- Foster a feedback loop that strengthens participation.
- Create a more connected and supportive company culture.
A real-life example: Hope College
One organization that’s doing an incredible job with this best practice is Hope College. Their Well-being Ambassador program is a shining example of how to put this strategy into action:
- Strategic placement: Hope carefully analyzed department sizes and proximity to pair departments together. Each Well-being Ambassador oversees a similar number of employees, ensuring balanced communication across the college.
- Monthly meetings: From September to May, Well-being Ambassadors meet virtually each month to review participation data, get updates on future programming, and provide real-time feedback.
- In-person touchpoints: Hope kicks off the year in September with a celebratory luncheon to recap the past program year and set goals for the new one. They do it again in May to gather feedback for the next year’s planning.
- Committee involvement: Their 5-member wellness committee — who are also Ambassadors — participates in the annual renewal meeting with OnSite Wellness to help shape the future of the program.
- Real results: By using participation data to identify communication gaps and adjust their approach, Hope College ensures their wellness program stays relevant, engaging, and effective.
Why this matters
In today’s fast-paced world, people are bombarded with emails, texts, and notifications. Sometimes, what really cuts through the noise is a personal invitation — a coworker saying, “Hey, you should check this out.”
Champion Networks and Committees help make wellness feel personal. They create human connection in your program, helping to build trust and foster participation.
Ready to build your network?
If you’re looking to increase engagement in your wellness program, it might be time to build your own network of champions. Recruit employees who are passionate about health, create opportunities for feedback, and give your people the chance to help shape their own well-being journey.
At OnSite Wellness, we’re here to help you every step of the way — from setting up your committee to training your champions. Just like Hope College, your organization can create a thriving, inclusive culture of wellness — one personal connection at a time.
