When you are starting out to organize a Weight Loss Challenge at work, you will need the support of management.
Without it you won’t be able to have your challenge.
Before you even approach the boss take the time to consider all their potential questions and objections. Write them down and make sure you have them all answered before you ask for their support.
Learn to speak the language of management to appeal to their needs and company objectives.
Plan far enough ahead because getting permission from the top might take a little time and convincing. You might have to compile a detailed report advocating the pros of hosting a workplace challenge.
Making the Presentation
Assemble together your supporting documentation of printed reports, charts and graphs. Your boss probably prefers new information delivered in a clear and concise manner.
Make your presentation light and fast pace. Don’t bore them into rejection. Instead, WOW them into submission!
Be sure to keep in mind that; They don’t want to be saddled with additional work or responsibility. Furthermore, they don’t want to see their employees work performance diminish either.
Meeting with Other Departments First
Before you approach management do your homework first. Get the support and approval from key departments like Human Resources or Occupational Health & Safety. These are the groups of people most familiar with corporate rules and insurance policies. Their support and knowledge will go a long way in securing management’s approval.
After you have worked with HR and OHS you will be well equipped to show management how:
- – they can probably save money on the group health insurance.
Find out from your OHS and HR departments about how your companies health and liability insurance premiums can be lowered by participating in healthy workplace initiatives.
Present this to management as a ongoing savings to the company.
– Explain how workers productivity will probably go up.
– Show them how sick days will most likely reduce.
– Demonstrate the long term positive effects because it will incorporate an overall healthier workplace attitude and awareness.
*BONUS* You also might want to find out how using your group health insurance Flex Benefits can help you buy Office Desk Exercise Equipment too. Adding fitness equipment to the office will help everyone during and long after the challenge is over.
Team Building Support
Another group of people whose support you want are the people who will actually be participating in the challenge. If you think management will be a bit resistant, show you have the support from your co-workers. This will demonstrate how it will be a great team-building event!
Appeal to Their Wants
How will supporting a challenge help your boss achieve
Find out they want for their own career track. Show them how they can use the Challenge to make themselves look good to their bosses.
The more proactive and organized you are, the better the chances you will get management on board.
Why You Need More from the Boss than Just a YES!
Getting approval to run the office challenge is just a part of the Challenge Organizers job. Hopefully you can convince them to come up with some money too. At least enough to get it started.
You will also need the boss to approve space and time to run the challenge and special events during work hours.
Final Approval & Legal Issues
Management must have final approval on rules, prizes, tools, and events. There are company policies that need to be followed and management will want to ensure the Challenge won’t cause any legal, personnel, or other issues.
Having a Corporate Weight Loss Challenge will require you to communicate with the team leaders and participants during the workday. You will need permission to put up posters, flyers, and use the company’s computers and email service.
Good luck and have fun! If you would like some guidance, we have a $27 handbook with helpful hints and tips on getting started. Just send us an email and put “WLC Help Boss” in the subject line.
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