A health fair is a workplace event that showcases educational activities related to health concerns. It is a gathering which aims to promote awareness and understanding of health issues, as well as ways to promote better living for employees. A health fair may have various demonstrations, products, activities, and screenings that directly tie into the workplace.
Why Have an Employee Health Fair?
Planning a health fair has amazing benefits for both employees and the organization as a whole. It's an opportunity to educate employees while providing the resources for a healthier, happier lifestyle. By covering a variety of health-related topics, you can communicate the value of a work/life balance in an engaging way.
These events also assist with company morale, as well as creating a sense of community that promotes collaboration and open communication. No matter the industry, employee health is essential to a successful business. In planning a health fair, you are taking an active approach toward a strong, motivated, and conscious team.
The Steps to a Successful Health Fair
Though the prospect might seem a bit overwhelming at first, hosting a successful health fair is easy if you follow these tips. Remember that each event is unique; this list merely provides recommendations for an impactful occasion.
Planning
Planning is, without a doubt, one of the most essential contributors to an employee health fair's success. If possible, you'll want to begin sorting out your plans about six months to a year before the fair is to occur. This will ensure you have plenty of time to come up with a suitable budget, keeping in mind the cost of vendors, parking, decor, and food.
Make sure to select a location that is easily accessible for both your employees and the vendors. There needs to be enough space for everyone in addition to the equipment needed for the health fair's activities.
To make your event the best it can be, lean into your creative side and choose a theme to tie everything together. It might be something directly relating to your company and its message, or a specific health observance.
Promotion
Next, you'll need to think of ways to plan your company's health fair via promotion. The best way is to use common and effective communication styles that are standard for your organization. Think company newsletters, emails, or weekly meetings. You might even try flyers that include incentives for those who attend.
Every strategy differs, but it's ideal to begin promoting the event at least a month in advance.
Vendors & Suppliers
Do thorough research to explore your vendor options. You're looking for organizations that can offer the most for your employees, as you want the health fair to be as thought-provoking as possible. No matter who you end up choosing, be sure they communicate a positive message and embrace the ideals of your workplace. If you can, locate vendors that fit into the overall theme. A few health fair vendor ideas include:
- Blue Cross
- American Heart Association
- Local dental and nutrition businesses
- Weight management programs
- Hospitals
- Health clubs
Screenings
Screenings are an excellent way to build awareness of health issues and distribute valuable information to your employees. As each screening may take several minutes, you can either choose to allot extra time or give employees the option to pre-register online.
The type of booths you offer might fit in with your theme, but they can also target health issues that your participants are most at risk for. Consider doing screenings for issues like:
- Hearing
- Cholesterol
- Skin health
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure
Adding Flair to Your Fair
Despite its importance, healthcare isn't always the most interesting of topics. To make the message stick, why not include some fun in the mix? This can create interest in the event, as well as help employees better retain the information.
The best way to go about this is to make sure engaging health fair activities are present. It could be anything from cooking demonstrations to massage therapy to group yoga. As long as the demonstration is educational and communicates a healthy message, it will only be an asset to your program — and your employees' well-being.
Having Incentives
Along that same line, including incentives at the health fair also motivates participants to attend and engage. Think over your theme or mission; the vendors may be able to partner with you here to deliver compelling incentives.
Things like prizes, raffles, and games are all excellent ideas. For example, you might have employees collecting tickets from each vendor visited so they can use them towards a raffle. You may even have the raffle run throughout the entire event to keep participation going steady.
Tips to Keep in Mind
There are a few other pointers to consider before you plan your health fair. Depending on the size of your event, it might be a good idea to set up early. This way, you'll avoid last-minute setbacks. Maps can also assist participants with locating certain information, vendors, or services.
You'll benefit from keeping extra supplies on hand, such as tape, pens, or scissors. At the very end of the health fair, make sure that employees can give feedback in some way. Whether that's a form to be passed out at the exit or a survey online, it's important to gauge attendees' impression of the fair. Take what you learn from their feedback and rework your strategy to suit their needs. Above all else, keep in mind that creating an inclusive environment for all employees should be your top priority.
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