The average Canadian worker spends an average of 10.5 hours a day getting to, and being at work. This makes the workplace an ideal place to support people in making everyday healthy choices that will help prevent ill-health and disease. Creating a healthy, safe work environment is also good for business. Healthy workplaces enjoy better productivity, better morale, and can make a company an employer of choice.
The first step in creating a healthy workplace is to make a commitment that health and well-being is a priority.
Click the tabs for steps you can take to foster commitment.
Create a policy that shows why a healthy workplace is important to your organization. This could include:
- Making a commitment to providing a safe, productive and supportive work environment.
- Making a commitment to creating a supportive workplace culture where healthy lifestyle choices are encouraged.
- Providing examples of how employees can contribute to the policy.
- Plan your communication about the policy, how often it will be reviewed, and how you will track progress.
Find best practices advice on Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion from Public Health Ontario
Healthy Workplace Strategies: Creating Change and Achieving Results, from Health Canada
- Work Life Balance: How Balanced is Your Business and see page 11
- Access professional advice and self-care resources available from HealthLinkBC, QuitNow, Physical Activity Line, Bounce Back and Here To Help BC
- Choose a champion to promote your healthy workplace program
- Assess your current state, and ask "what would make our workplace healthier?" to guide your efforts
- Check out WellnessFits, a workplace wellness program for BC businesses
- Get support for workplace health from all parts of the organization, including management. Leaders need to commit to, and be involved in, creating a healthy workplace
- Support your healthy workplace by establishing a workplace wellness committee (or build on existing ones)
- Encourage employee participation in healthy workplace activities. Use incentives to increase participation and maintain staff motivation.
