County Wellness Committee

The purpose of the County Wellness Committee is to create a “Culture of Health” at San Mateo County by...

Promoting and encouraging County employees to be their healthy best.
Overseeing and monitoring Countywide efforts to provide a healthy work environment and healthy work practices as outlined in the County Wellness Policy.
Encouraging and supporting Departmental efforts to create and sustain a healthy work environment for employees.

The Employee Wellness Program Manager staffs the Committee, and staff and contractors from the Employee Wellness Program assist the Committee in development and implementation efforts.

Picture of the County Wellness Committee

The County Wellness Committee is composed of “Wellness Champions”

Wellness Champions are great communicators, initiators, motivators, promoters, and examples of optimal well-being! They are representatives from departments, health plans, County program staff (“stakeholders”), management and employee organizations. Wellness Champions are at the heart of our organization's health and well-being.

Large departments or divisions may have up to two department Wellness Champions, otherwise every department or Health division has one representative. Additionally, regional representatives who work at smaller, distant locations may be invited to participate.

Time Commitment

The County Wellness Committee currently meets monthly for two hours. Meetings are scheduled on the second Thursday of the month from 11:30am - 1:30pm. Meetings occur in Redwood City on odd months and at other work locations on even months. The meeting schedule is posted on the Wellness Committee Meeting website.

The expected time commitment for a Wellness Champion to attend Committee meetings and develop activities is 3-5 hours / month. Commitment for additional time that needs to be spent at the departmental level related to wellness outreach and education of department staff should be arranged between Department Wellness Champion and the Department Director / Manager. Additional time might be expected; for example if a department has its own department wellness committee.

There is an orientation program for Department Wellness Champions and other Countywide Wellness Committee members so that they may become familiar with the County Wellness Policy, County Wellness Committee and their role as a Department Wellness Champion.

Projects & Accomplishments

Awarded County STARS Awards

Received two Program Performance County STARS Awards.
Received funding to fulfill 2014 Employee Suggestion County STARS Award to offer DermaScan Sun Damage program.

Creating a "Culture of Health" at the County:

Monthly meetings
Department Wellness Champions (90% of depts)
Wellness Grants (70% of departments)
Wellness Committee Booth @ Wellness/Benefits Fairs
Healthier options in County vending machines / cafeterias / catering.
Stretch break signage in conference + meeting rooms
Health & Wellness activities offered at worksites or online
Wellness Screening promotions & recruitment
Health Trails promotions & recruitment
Wellness Bulletin Boards
Wellness brand + logo

Creating a "Healthy" Work Environment:

Fully-equipped break rooms
Designeated Lactation Room designations
Bicycle racks and safe sidewalks
Clearly-marked stairwells, which display attractive, nature-inspired stairwell banners encouraging their use
Onsite fitness center/workout room (some County departments) or discounts at nearby health clubs
One-Mile marked Walking Loop (RWC and San Mateo)
Ergonomic Computer Workstations (RSI installed)
Employee Quiet Room for rest and re-focus (some County Departments)

Promoting "Healthy" Organizational Practices:

Sponsoring Nutrition Standards Training for County Department Food Puchase Decision-Makers
Sponsoring Risk Management/Safety Training for County Departments that have fitness centers and/or sponsor group exercise classes for staff.
Supervisors/managers expected to attend supervisor/management-related training every year
County and department guidelines in place for workplace flexibility (e.g. flex work day/week, alternate schedules, Voluntary Time Off (VTO)
Employee engagement

Upcoming Projects:

Continue High Level of Department representation and participation on Wellness Committee
Continued work on enforcing Nutrition Standards
- Vending machines, Cafeteria & Catering
- Department Training of Food Purchasing Decision-makers
- Administrative Memo/Contract Change Notices
Promote Wellness Screenings / Wellness Rewards
Promote Team Challenges (Health Trails, Summer Meltdown)
Wellness Grants to Departments (Aug - Dec)**
"Take Your Workbreak" Initiative
Healthy Breakroom Project
Phase-In Smoke-free campuses