Wellness Councils

Each agency's wellness council will work with their assigned wellness coordinator, use the activity lists and other resources to select the programs their agency will engage in to improve nutrition, reduce obesity and support overall well-being on an ongoing basis.

The Wellness Council:

  • Is a team of state employees who plan and monitor activities to promote good health for those who work in their agencies.
  • Is representative of employees from all organizational levels.
  • Promotes participation in both individual and group activities.
  • Publicizes, recognizes and rewards individuals and teams who meet agency and statewide wellness goals.

How are wellness councils assigned?

Each agency appoints their own wellness council. Depending on the size of the agency, the wellness council should be composed of, but not limited to:

  • The wellness council chair to assist in selecting the wellness council and interact with the Working for a Healthier Tennessee team.
    • The wellness council chair should:
      • Believe in the goal of improving the health of state employees and aim to model desired behaviors.
      • Know how to create an agenda, chair a meeting, set goals, delegate responsibilities and expect results.
      • Be respected in his/her agency.
      • Report wellness programming on an ongoing basis with their assigned Working for a Healthier Tennessee wellness coordinator.
      • Could also create a co-chair position.
      • Have a succession plan in place if they decide to leave the chair position.
      • Wellness chairs can download this Wellness Council Chair Checklist for guidance or contact their wellness coordinator for the wellness council chair toolkit.   
  • Public information officer to publicize agency wellness activities and successes through newsletters, posters, intranet and social media.
  • Wellness council member(s) to help carry out the goals of his/her Wellness Council.
  • Someone from the agency's human resources office and/or legal office.
  • Other committee members who represent various regions and levels of staff.