1. workplace health: A public health perspective
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
May 29, 2019
Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Office of Health
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

3. Comprehensive workplace health
Photo by Jlalonde

4. Create the business case

5. Comprehensive workplace health model

6. 1. Health and Lifestyle Practices
The choices that each of us make about what we eat, our activity level and substance use contribute to health. The workplace can have an important role in making the healthy choice, the easy choice for employees by creating a supportive work environment. Examples include:
Healthy eating
Physical activity
Sedentary behavior
Tobacco cessation
Stress management
Reduced drug and alcohol use
Immunization
Sun safety

7. 2. Organizational culture
The way that people behave towards another, how decisions are made and communicated and how interaction occurs between people, their work and the organization impact health. Examples include:
Vision and values
Psychological and social support
Organizational leadership
Recognition and reward
HR Strategy
Staff involvement and empowerment
Workload management
Protection of physical safety

8. Organization culture CONTINUED
People are most productive, and most committed, when they feel good about their workplace and are valued for their work.

9. 3. Organization social responsibility
The relationship that an organization plays in the community can contribute positively towards the health of workers, their families and other members of the community. Examples include:
Green activities such as reducing the carbon footprint of business activities and control of pollutants in community air and water, volunteering, fundraising, etc.
An important part of employees feeling valued and supported can include finding meaningful ways to give back to the community.

10. Wellness supportive policies
Workplace policies guide management and workers behave in the workplace. Wellness supportive policies can support all elements of the CWPH model. Examples include:
Flexible Working Hours
Innovative Office Design
Work From Home
Active Transportation/Physical Activity
Healthy Eating
Employee Conduct
Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention

11. Mental health promotion

12. Mental health promotion Resources in the workplace
Healthy Minds at Work
A website developed by CCOHS
Best practice resources, posters, videos for employers
Guarding Minds at Work
Toolkit to promote psychological health and safety in the workplace
Assess and address the 13 psychosocial factors known to have a powerful impact on organizational health, the health of individual employees, and the financial bottom line.

13. What can municipalities do?
Adopt a CWPM approach to wellness.
Form a Steering Committee including front line staff to guide your work
Complete a compressive assessment of your workplace using a CWPM
Consider innovative workplace initiatives that impact positive mental health (active transportation to work - secure bike facilities, locations of offices in cycling friendly locations, on site showers and change areas)
Monitor program results
Be a community leader – Declare a Workplace Wellness Week or a Day by passing a motion at council.