The new health movement

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The workplace has a powerful effect on the health of its people. In fact, work itself is one of the major factors that can influence workers' health. With so many Canadians spending a large part of their life at work, the workplace also serves as the natural setting in which to promote health and wellness, to help people achieve their best physical and mental well-being. It is a "full circle" situation: how healthy a person feels affects their job satisfaction and productivity, and in turn, their level of job satisfaction affects their health.

Employers are catching on that happy, healthy workers tend to stay on the job, have fewer absences and feel a sense of loyalty to the company. This translates as an unmistakable benefit in the form of less employee turnover, fewer recruitment and retraining costs, and an overall better bottom line.

Recognizing the importance of healthy workers is the first step. And today's enlightened employers are taking the next step by committing to health promotion in the workplace and getting actively involved.

What exactly does workplace health include? It extends beyond traditional safety issues and even expands on standard definitions of health. Consider it an extension of traditional health and safety programs, which protect workers from workplace hazards. The health movement encompasses a healthy work/life balance, wellness programs, mental and physical fitness, career, financial and family counseling, lifestyle seminars, and more. A workplace health program can take many forms. One organization may focus on flexible work hours and daycare facilities, while another will emphasize fitness and nutrition.

Fortunately there are many websites to help you get up to speed on workplace health and provide guidance on how to get started with your own program. Here are some key sites:

* The Canadian Health Network (CHN), Workplace Health Centre (www.canadian-health-network.ca/) is a national, bilingual web-based health information service from Health Canada and leading health organizations in Canada. Twenty-six different health centers cover topics such as violence prevention, active living, cancer, heart health, mental health, and substance abuse/addictions. The Workplace Health Centre provides access to quality resources on a variety of workplace health promotion and occupational health and safety topics.

* Canada's Healthy Workplace Week web site (www.healthyworkplaceweek.ca) focuses on an annual week in October which promotes a comprehensive approach to workplace health in Canadian organizations. Includes workplace health promotion ideas and activities, information, research and resources, including articles, posters, fact sheets, research reports and web sites from non-profit organizations. In particular, take a look at the Resource Well, and the link on the home page to Case Studies - real-life examples of workplace health initiatives in other companies.

* JobQuality.ca is managed by the Work Network of the Canadian Policy Research Networks. This web site investigates the factors that affect the quality of Canadians' working experience. It features data on the quality of work and includes explanations of their impact on employers, employees, and policy makers.

* Canadian Labour and Business Centre (www.clbc.ca) offers a national forum for dialogue and research on labour market and skills issues, with participants from labour, business, government, and education. Web site includes case studies on issues of workplace health, as well as news updates, and event information.

Creating a workplace health program

Organizations have different dynamics and needs. An older workforce might be more interested in elder care or weight control than in day-care options. A multicultural workforce might prefer to focus on initiatives that promote harmony and improved communication as ways to reduce stress and solve problems.

By getting to know the employees and their needs and preferences, you can tailor-make a workplace health program that's likely to succeed in a big way. The surest way to find out what people want is simply to ask them. Conduct an in-house survey to determine what activities in which your staff has most interest. Do they want a corporate rate for a weight-loss clinic? A lunchtime jogging club? Seminars on stress management? Let them choose from a variety of options the company is willing to offer.

Other ideas might include smoking cessation programs, flexible work hour arrangements, assistance with daycare or elder care, conflict resolution assistance, discount rates at the local recreation centre, or any other health promotion program for the benefit of everyone in the organization.

Health promotion doesn't have to be a costly initiative, and organizations are already reaping rewards from their efforts. Statistics Canada, after implementing a work/life balance program, found that 78% of their own employees reported a satisfactory balance of work and home life and noticed an impressive 91% reduction in the rate of employee turnover.  Hop on-board, and remember - by taking an interest in workplace health you have already taken the first step. WSN