Workplace Wellness Initiative - Public Service Commission

Workplace Wellness Initiative

Why have a Wellness Initiative?

There is increasing evidence that absenteeism, productivity and morale are intricately linked to the physical and mental health of employees, and are of increasing concern in the Canadian workplace. Research concludes that every year mental health problems alone cost Canada’s economy billions of dollars in lost productivity. As well, employers who offer programs to support employee wellness report substantial positive results for individual employees and for the workplace. We also know that in addition to employee lifestyle issues, such as nutrition and physical activity, the work place culture itself is equally important as a factor impacting employee health.

Stakeholder consultations have consistently recommended that our public service as an employer, focus on a preventative approach to employee and workplace health. The Workplace Wellness Initiative. grew out of the provincial government’s Employee Assistance Program, and is housed at the Public Service Commission. The initiative consists of various wellness activities co-ordinated through a number of linkages and partnerships including NAPE and the PSMA.

Objectives of the Wellness Initiative:

To implement effective preventative programs which support individuals in achieving and maintaining wellness and productivity.
To develop, promote and implement policies and practices which define a healthy workplace.
For additional information, go to http://www.nqi.ca

Where We Are:

The growth of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the emergence of the Respectful Workplace Program, (RWP) reflect efforts to promote employee health and productivity in our public service. The EAP supports individual wellness, through counseling and such educational efforts as stress management, managing change, and other wellness promotion strategies. The Respectful Workplace Program promotes respectful, healthy , productive work environments and provides positive mechanisms to manage conflict.

Workplace Wellness Committee - This committee is comprised of a number of key stakeholders including NAPE and the PSMA. The mandate is to encourage individual employees to assume responsibility for their own personal health and to help promote good morale by fostering a healthy work environment within the Public Service. The primary role of the committee to date has been to organize Wellness Week but a change in structure will see more emphasis placed on fostering leadership related to workplace wellness issues. Several departments have also set up wellness committees and organize health related seminars during the year.

Wellness Research - Preliminary research has been completed which looks at various aspects of the health of our Public Service, as well as reviewing best practices in other jurisdictions. A recent internal study saw 110 Public Service employees participate in supported physical activity over an eight-week period. Participating departments approved time off for employees to engage in physical activity. In just eight weeks preliminary results indicate significant improvements in such areas as participants’ blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. (The study was coordinated through the Public Service Commission, in conjunction with Memorial University, and funded by the Department of Health and Community Services.)

Wellness Promotion is a key part of the Wellness Initiative. A monthly newsletter, Working Well.....in Newfoundland and Labrador, is prepared monthly. The newsletter provides information on all aspects of physical and emotional health. Efforts are also underway to build a website which would provide employees with current health and wellness information including contacts and links to community supports and resources. To link to what is happening in wellness around the Province see http://www.healthy.nl.ca

Healthy Workplace Week will take place on October 22nd to 26th to coincide with National Healthy Workplace Week. Employees across the province will organize and participate in opportunities to promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Further updates to follow as planning proceeds. Information and helpful resources on National Healthy Workplace Week can found at http://www.healthyworkplaceweek.ca.

Working Well...In Newfoundland & Labrador Newsletter

Background
This newsletter is designed to promote wellness in the workplace by encouraging physical activity, healthy eating habits, open and positive communication, stress reduction techniques, etc.

We hope these newsletters will encourage employees to take charge of their own physical and mental health both at and away from the workplace.

Newsletters (Note: All newsletters are in PDF format)

2008

2007

2006

2005

Please direct any questions or concerns to WorkingWell@gov.nl.ca or call your departmental contact as indicated below.

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