8 Key Steps to a Healthy Workplace Date Name

Overview Introduction The 8 Key Steps It takes time Benefits of workplace health Support, tools and resources

Introduction No single “correct” approach to workplace health Steps are general guideline

The 8 Key Steps 1.Identify a group and leader 2.Program development meetings 3.Management involvement and approval 4.Workplace scan 5.Employee input 6.Identify areas of need/interest 7.Develop a plan 8.Getting started

The 8 Key Steps Identifying a group and leader Approximately 4-12 people Broad representation Voluntary participation Enthusiastic

The 8 Key Steps Program development meetings Define workplace health and wellness Develop vision and purpose Develop and enhance wellness program

The 8 Key Steps Management involvement and approval Necessary to create change Demonstrates commitment to well-being Supports employee commitment to workplace health

The 8 Key Steps What’s already happening? Workplace environmental scan Physical and social environment Policies and procedures Activities and programs in place

The 8 Key Steps What do employees think? Gather staff ideas and feedback: –Informal discussion –Suggestion box –Employee meeting/focus group –Conduct a survey

The 8 Key Steps Determining areas of need and interest Use results from environmental scan and employee needs assessment Validates information collection Develops foundation for wellness planning

The 8 Key Steps Develop a plan Your action plan should: –Meet the needs of all employees –Balance between what employee and employer can do –Address concerns in all areas Occupational health and safety, workplace culture, and health practices

The 8 Key Steps Develop a plan How, when and who Creates accountability SMART goals and objectives Evaluation and analysis (on-going)

The 8 Key Steps Develop a plan Awareness activities Skill-building activities Supportive work environments (policy)

The 8 Key Steps Getting started Launch activities Posters Pay stub inserts Bulletin boards

The 8 Key Steps 1.Identify a group and leader 2.Program development meetings 3.Management involvement and approval 4.Workplace scan 5.Employee input 6.Identify areas of need/interest 7.Develop a plan 8.Getting started

It takes time First few months –Some positive changes –Employees engaging in healthy activities during work hours Within one year –Evidence of increased job satisfaction, commitment to work and improved productivity

It takes time It will be at least 3 years before you see any quantitative improvements in health related costs

The Benefits of Workplace Health Employers and the organization Employees Society, families and communities

Benefits of workplace health For the organization A well-managed health and safety program Positive and caring image Improved staff morale and productivity Reduced staff turnover and absenteeism Reduced health care/insurance costs Reduced risk of fines and litigation

Benefits of workplace health For employees Safe and healthy work environment Enhanced self-esteem and improved health Reduced stress Improved morale and sense of well-being Increased job satisfaction Increased skills for health protection

Benefits of workplace health For families and the community Transfer of healthy habits from work to home Healthy families may be more likely to become involved in community Reduced health care cost

Support, tools and resources Northwestern Health Unit – –Local office

References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October “Workplace Health Promotion”. Retrieved from: s/ (February 4, 2013) s/ The Health Communication Unit “Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion Info Packs and Presentation”.

Mental Health Works. “A Guide to Developing and Implementing the Workplace Health System in Medium and Large Businesses”. Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario. Retrieved from: resources/workplace-health-system/guide-for-medium-and-large- businesses (February 3, 2014 ). resources/workplace-health-system/guide-for-medium-and-large- businesses The Harvard Business Review “What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?”. Retrieved from: programs/ar/1 (February 4, 2014 ). programs/ar/1

The Health Communication Unit “Health Promotion 102: Workplace Health Promotion”. Retrieved from: