Greta Watkins, a Lifestyle Coordinator for Wellness Campaigns at Aquila Onsite Health and Fitness Management, serves as a model of encouragement and inventive approaches within the governmental sector of health and wellness. Her role involves meticulous planning and execution, from conceptualizing campaigns inspired by events like the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games to integrating themes of inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
The role of a lifestyle coordinator
As a Lifestyle Coordinator, Greta orchestrates comprehensive wellness campaigns that go beyond mere physical fitness to embrace the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. “In our wellness campaigns, we don’t just focus on physical health; we embrace the Eight Dimensions of Wellness to ensure a comprehensive approach,” Greta explains. “It’s truly about nurturing the whole person, from emotional and financial health to intellectual and social wellness. This holistic view is essential for fostering a truly healthy workplace.”
Physical Activity and Wellness Challenges
One program Greta is particularly proud of is a six-week long physical activity and wellness campaign. This campaign is carefully designed to engage employees across various departments in a spirited contest that promotes physical activity, underscored by the comprehensive Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Participants are given the flexibility to compete in divisions or form self-selected teams, fostering camaraderie and mutual support. “Beyond merely encouraging exercise, the 2024 challenge was themed around the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Watkins, “with physical activity as the cornerstone of wellness, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.”
Each two-week segment of the challenge dedicated itself to one of these pillars, offering participants structured goals that are as educational as they are motivational. This multifaceted approach ensures that this employee challenge not only boosts physical activity among employees but also enriches their understanding and practice of holistic wellness, making the campaign a much-anticipated fixture in the annual wellness calendar at the Aquila site where Watkins is stationed.
Biometric Screening
Another cornerstone of Watkins' work is a biometric screening campaign. This initiative offers employees the opportunity to receive comprehensive health screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and even vaccinations. By providing these services onsite, Watkins and the worksite health promotion team are able to integrate preventative health measures into the daily lives of employees, further embedding the culture of wellness within the organization.
Programs that Connect
Monthly programs that help employees connect with wellness services early in the calendar year provide additional examples of Watkins' commitment to the incorporation of holistic health into the workplace. Focusing on different health themes each month, such as physical activity, heart health, and nutrition, these programs are designed to engage employees in a continuous dialogue about their health, encouraging them to take proactive steps towards improving their well-being.
Teamwork and collaboration
Crucial to the success of these programs is Watkins' collaboration with two distinct teams: the full-time employee (FTE) team, comprised mostly of non-contractors, and an additional team of contractors responsible for specific wellness initiatives. Navigating the complexities of communication and coordination between these teams presents unique challenges, particularly in understanding federal processes and ensuring cohesive action. Watkins' role in bridging these teams is vital, as it facilitates the integration of wellness programs into the agency's culture.
Watkins' communication efforts extend beyond internal coordination. Working closely with the communications department, she helps ensure that wellness campaigns are effectively promoted across the organization, maximizing engagement and participation. Her approach to communication is strategic, leveraging multiple platforms to reach a diverse audience within the agency.
The career impact of certification
For Greta, obtaining her MCHES® certification was a milestone that significantly enriched her professional capabilities. "I became CHES® certified back in 1990 and felt like it was a really good time to incorporate certification into my early career goals," she shared. “Eventually, I decided it was time to elevate my credentials and validate the knowledge and skills I had gained, and so I pursued the MCHES® certification.”
The advanced-level designation not only validated her expertise in health education but also equipped her with a broader understanding of health promotion strategies and interventions, enabling her to design and implement more effective wellness campaigns.
Advice for aspiring health education specialists
For those looking to enter the field, Greta offers sage advice. "Never dismiss the potential of new opportunities, even if they don't immediately appear as your ideal role. Each position offers unique experiences and learning moments that can pave unexpected paths to your dreams. Sometimes, it's the jobs we least anticipate that provide us with the skills, connections, and insights we need to propel us forward. Embrace every chance to grow and remember, the journey to achieving your aspirations often begins with a step into the unknown."
The value of health education in the workplace
Through her work on these projects and her daily responsibilities, Greta finds the value of MCHES® certification in the realm of workplace wellness. "My goal has always been to foster a lasting culture of wellness within the agency, going beyond the simple increase in physical activity. I aim to shift employees' perspectives, encouraging them to see wellness as a sustainable, integral part of their lives, not just a short-term goal. It's about creating a mindset that values continuous health and well-being."