At the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), promoting health and well-being among staff is more than a goal—it’s a journey that has united our offices across Southwest Minnesota. As we celebrate two years since the launch of our Wellness Committee, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the progress, activities, and impacts that have taken place.
The Launch of the Wellness Committee
The Wellness Committee was established in late 2022, led by Mary Mulder, Public Assistance Program Manager, who was inspired by her experiences at Southwest Mental Health and Human Services (SWMHHS) and her discussions with Jennifer Nelson, a SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) Coordinator. Mary brought the idea to the PIC team, and with the support of management, the committee came together. Torrie Ward, Abby Hermanson, and Sandy Demuth joined as representatives from each of the three PIC offices, fostering a space where health, wellness, and community are united.
Year One Accomplishments
The activities began in January 2023, kicking off with the distribution of personalized water bottles, made possible through a SHIP grant. These bottles, sporting the PIC logo and staff names, became symbols of a shared mission: to encourage better hydration and wellness among employees. The “Chug-a-Lug Challenge” followed soon after, with staff encouraged to drink 64 ounces of water a day, reinforcing hydration as a cornerstone of workplace wellness.
Challenges were not just about fitness—they were designed to promote mental well-being, positivity, and healthy habits. Activities like Holiday BINGO, themed around kindness and gratitude, and a two-month outdoor activity challenge, encouraged staff to embrace physical activity and fostered camaraderie across the offices.
The Montevideo Picnic Table
In 2024, the committee took another meaningful step forward when they submitted a grant application to the "A Healthier Southwest" program, funded through SHIP. The request was simple but impactful: a picnic table for the Montevideo office, which lacked an outdoor dining area. The grant was approved, and the PIC received the money to purchase the table. This addition will provide staff with a space to take breaks outside, enjoy fresh air, and promote well-being during work hours.
This initiative highlights the committee’s commitment to improving the workplace environment, demonstrating that wellness can seamlessly blend into the everyday routines of work life.
2024: A Year of Creative Wellness Initiatives
Building on its inaugural year, the Wellness Committee crafted an array of events and challenges in 2024 to encourage physical activity, mindfulness, and team engagement. Here’s a look at some of the exciting activities that brought our staff together this year:
- January 2024 – Wellness Challenge Calendar: Each day featured a different challenge to promote wellness. Winner: Wendy
- February 2024 – Healthy Heart BINGO Challenge: Staff focused on heart-healthy habits throughout the month. Winner: Julie
- March & April 2024 – Chug-A-Lug Water Challenge: Keeping hydration front and center, employees aimed to meet their water intake goals. Winner: Amy
- May 2024 – Movement Challenge: Employees were encouraged to incorporate various forms of movement and stress reduction techniques into their daily routines. Winner: Jenna
- June 2024 – Miles Challenge: The goal was for staff to collectively log 100 miles through walking, running, or biking, encouraging everyone to stay active over the summer months. Winner: Torrie
- July 2024 – Patriotic-Themed Wellness BINGO: A festive take on BINGO, with wellness activities tied to patriotic themes. Winner: Dan
- August 2024 – Wellness BINGO: Another round of BINGO with wellness-focused activities. Winner: Antonio
- September 2024 – Thankful Tree Challenge: Employees expressed gratitude by filling a tree with “leaves,” each representing 30 minutes of wellness activity. Winner: Abby
- October 2024 – Pumpkin Carving Challenge: This month’s challenge encourages staff to carve pumpkins and submit photos of their creations. Friends, family, and even pets were welcome to join the fun, fostering community and creativity. The event will culminate in a drawing on Halloween! (stay tuned to our social media accounts to see some of the results 🙂 )
Each challenge has been designed to boost both physical and mental wellness while offering a little friendly competition. To motivate participation, the committee awarded prizes, including coveted two-hour breaks, to the winners of each challenge. This year’s winners have demonstrated tremendous engagement, and their enthusiasm has inspired many others to take part.
Looking Ahead
The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council’s Wellness Committee continues to build momentum, working to integrate wellness into every aspect of the workday. Through creative challenges, grant initiatives like the Montevideo picnic table, and a growing commitment to health, the committee is making a lasting impact on staff well-being and workplace unity.
With two years behind us, we look forward to many more, creating a workplace where wellness, community, and personal growth thrive.
