Workplace Wellness Champions: Lessons Learned and Implications for Future Programming

Background : Wellness champion teams can be a critical "grass roots" strategy in building a culture of worksite wellness; however, little is known about key elements of programs to prepare individuals for this role and their level of impact. Aim : To describe the components of a worksite wellness champion program at a large public land grant university in the Midwest and the characteristics of individuals who participate in this role. Methods : The Wellness Innovator program components, including processes of recruitment and retention, as well as demographic data of the Innovators are described. Results : 464 Innovators currently serve in the role. Support from supervisors/managers is key for sustained Innovator engagement. Conclusions : The Wellness Innovator program is an important strategy in encouraging faculty and staff to participate in wellness activities and services. More research is needed to determine the impact of wellness champion teams on health and wellness outcomes.