Working Well
Many people spend more waking time at work than in any other environment. It’s no surprise then, that progressive organisations are focusing more attention on improving the health and wellbeing of their workers.And it’s proving healthy for the bottom line, for employees and employers alike.
An international review of over 40,000 workers and 365 health promotion strategies published in the American Journal of Public Health shows there’s a return on investment at a minimum of $1.50 to as high as $13 for every dollar spent. The average return is about $4.00 for every dollar spent, with higher returns more likely for companies that invest long term.
In Australia, leading employers of choice who have adopted comprehensive wellbeing programs report reductions in absenteeism and sick leave, improved perceptions of management, and even an increase in productivity amongst those employees who achieve their health goals. Other workplaces initiate a wellness program, only to find interest and participation waning over time.
So what are the keys to success - what do you need to do to make sure you get results with regards to participation, employee health and business benefits?
Workplace health promotion, which focuses on prevention and general wellbeing, as distinct from a focus on accidents and injuries, is a relatively new art and science. So the answers are still emerging.
However some of the most successful workplace wellness initiatives work because they adopt a contemporary approach to health promotion, which goes further than helping people to exercise, quit smoking or lose weight. It still includes a focus on individual health, but also recognises the powerful influence of the work environment on wellbeing. They adopt a mix of strategies ranging from a focus on lifestyle behaviour to creating supportive working conditions.
Funding can be a real or perceived barrier to enhancing health at work. Money certainly helps, but some things that make a big difference can be done without a budget. Lunchtime walks, team-building games or organising events such as fun runs require no financial outlay. They do however take staff time which needs to be allocated, rather than taken for granted. And it costs nothing to practice one of the most effective promoters of workplace wellbeing – saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done.
Seven factors for success in workplace health promotion
1. Active support by senior management
2. Worker participation at all stages
3. Flexible content determined by need of workers
4. Links with community services and activities
5. Complement individual behaviour change with organisational change
6. Run programs in company time
7. Voluntary participation
Acknowledgements to World Health Organisation
10 ways to give your working day a health lift
1. Make time for breakfast. Basic but vital for concentration during the morning.
2. Take the stairs rather than the lift to get to your office. Do this a few times and there’s your aerobic work-out for the day.
3. Do some simple stretches at your desk several times a day to prevent neck, shoulder, wrist and back pain.
4. Use lunchtime to get outside, enjoy some natural light and take time out. Eat slowly and without the distraction of your computer or phone.
5. Organise a lunchtime walking group.
6. Give your brain some oxygen and walk around the block when the afternoon slump hits, instead of heading for the biscuit tin, or your 4th cup of coffee.
7. Power Nap for 20 minutes or less. Lock the door, turn out the light, divert the phone, put up your do not disturb sign, lie down and enjoy the darkness.
8. Keep a jug of water on your desk to remind you to drink water regularly throughout the day - especially important if you work in an air conditioned building and drink tea & coffee which all have a dehydrating effect.
9. Get a friend to e-mail you their latest joke for a moment of light relief.
10. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day find someone you trust to debrief with before you go home. Or use a journal if you prefer.
Thea O’Connor is a health promotion consultant, writer and speaker. Ph: 0412 190 860, E: enquiries@thea.com.au, www.thea.com.au