2021 in Review

What a year!

From Chopped-inspired cooking competitions to Olympics-themed events and so much more, let's look back at some of the fun wellness events Wellness Councils hosted for state employees in 2021.

All-Department Challenge

Move More Challenge

The Move More Challenge was a success! We had 399 employees from 21 state agencies participate. 100 of those employees completed at least two of the three goals each week. Throughout the challenge, participants sent pictures and shared messages of encouragement, personal success and more! Multiple participants reported weight loss. Two employees said they were able to keep better control of their blood sugar levels because of this challenge. Many were thankful for the motivation and weekly goals. Several also mentioned they're continuing to increase their movement even after the challenge was over!

Department of Children's Services

Skelebration Contest and National Smile Week

Department of Children's Services and

Department of Finance & Administration

Farmers Market Week

Department of Correction 

Pet Photo Contest

The Department of Correction hosted regional wellness conferences. Speakers from Working for a Healthier Tennessee, Optum, ActiveHealth Management and esteemed leadership provided conference attendees with information on a variety of topics centered around healthy living, mental and emotional well-being and the benefits offered to all state employees that can help them in those areas.

Department of General Services

World Heart Day

In honor of World Heart Day, Department of General Services employees wore red to raise awareness about heart health. Pictured are DGS Wellness Chair Julie Hannah (left) and Commissioner Christi Branscom (right).

Department of Health

Planksgiving

Along with Children's Services, Finance & Administration, Human Services and Revenue, employees from the Department of Health hosted a month-long Planksgiving Challenge in November. Participants did planks and gave thanks! Here are some comments from participants: 

• "I love this yearly challenge. A reminder that we shouldn't let ourselves get out of shape!"
• "The challenge is great for accountability."
• "Speaking to yourself to push yourself is very useful."

Department of Human Services 

Mission Spirit Week and "Chopped"

During the Department of Human Services Mission Spirit Week leadership hosted a series of webinars dedicated to their daily health and wellness challenges

• Day 1: The Commissioner's Motivation - Like us, our leaders find motivation in many places. Commissioner Clarence H. Carter and other DHS leaders and staff spent a few minutes sharing what motivates them to make healthy choices. They also included a few helpful resources.
• Day 2: The Sparks Workout - Assistant Commissioner Abby Sparks led a live 30-minute walking-themed workout via WebEx.
• Day 3: The Counsel's Cooler - Sometimes we all need a bit of counsel on wellness. General Counsel Krisann Hodges hosted a virtual water break and gave pointers and resources about how to stay hydrated.
• Day 4: Getting Grateful with Deputy Commissioner Cherrell Campbell-Street - Sometimes hearing about others' journeys can help build our own sense of gratitude. Deputy Commissioner Campbell-Street shared a collection of stories of gratitude.
• Day 5: "Chopped" with Senior Policy Advisor Anne Havard and Assistant Commissioners Amanda Johnson, Abby Sparks and Gary Wilson - DHS' Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Commissioners met in a healthy competition. Each of them created a healthy low-sodium dish of their choice using a leafy green and whole grain. Employees voted for the winner. Before the live event on WebEx, each contestant prepared their dish and photographed it. During the event, they had an employee emcee. More than 60 employees attended! The contestants each described their dish and showcased the photographs. Judges asked questions and conferred in a WebEx breakout room before announcing the winner. Attendees also voted on their favorite dish in different categories. Watch a video from their "Chopped" event below:

Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation 

Outdoor Office Olympics

Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Office Olympics

The Jackson office of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation at the Department of Labor & Workforce Development had fun with Office Olympics challenges. They participated in pencil javelin, rubber band archery, paper ball basketball and speed finger skating. They even hosted a closing ceremony and played Olympics-themed trivia.

"Chopped"

The Bureau of Workers' Compensation at the Department of Labor & Workforce Development held their own version of "Chopped." This screenshot captures some of the judges, participants and the emcee. They had more than 50 participants! The contestants were tasked with making a dish that had to include a dark, leafy green and a whole grain. The emcee gave facts about the health benefits of each key ingredient as well. The three dishes submitted were Roasted Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Quinoa and Spinach, Tabbouleh/Layered Lebanese Salad and Cabbage Rolls/Golabki. 

During the event they used the breakout room and polling features of Microsoft Teams. The judges collaborated and the audience was able to vote on superlatives. The judges used a scoring system based on three criteria. The winner was the roasted sweet potato dish.

Department of Revenue

Revenue United Fun Run

The Department of Revenue hosted a conference at the Music City Sheraton. Wellness was a big part of their agenda. Attendees had the opportunity to join a 2.1-mile fun run, yoga class, morning stretch breaks, afternoon mindfulness breaks and visit with the WFHTN team for information and swag.

12 Days of Fitmas

In December, Revenue employees competed in the 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge.

We look forward to a happy and healthy 2022!