Healthy Workplace Champion Network FAQ

Transcription

1 Saskatoon Healthy Workplace Initiative moving forward for a healthier organization Healthy Workplace Champion Network FAQ 1) What s a Healthy Workplace (HW)? A healthy workplace is one in which the organization cares about the physical and psychological health and safety of its employees and establishes systems and programs to achieve and maintain exemplary health. Individuals are nurtured, treated fairly, and have equal access to wellness programs. The organization provides its people with the tools and programs to create and sustain an environment where they are valued, engaged, and can thrive. (Excellence Canada, 2015) A Healthy Workplace: is safe, supportive, positive and energizing respects the dignity and worth of all values diversity encourages collaboration and honest and meaningful dialogue promotes kindness nurtures a well-balanced lifestyle is environmentally sustainable It s all connected healthy employees working in healthy work environments are able to put patients, clients and families at the centre of care and service. Page 1

2 2) What are the components of a Healthy Workplace? There are 3 key elements of a healthy workplace: 1. Healthy Lifestyle: This element assesses how well an organization helps employees to: a. develop and maintain healthy lifestyle practices b. drop unhealthy/risky habits c. make optimal use of the health care system 2. Mental Health and Workplace Culture: A supportive workplace culture is the bedrock of a healthy workplace. It supports and enables the other three elements. Culture is created, reinforced, and sustained by ongoing patterns of relationships and communications that are known to have an important influence on psychological and physical health and safety. What an organization values is reflected in its culture such values as trust, fairness, respect, diversity, inclusion, and teamwork. 3. Physical Environment and Occupational Health & Safety: This addresses the health and safety of the workforce and includes policies, programs and activities that reinforce good practices. Also includes environmental sustainability/stewardship such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, toxic chemical reduction and alternative transportation strategies. 3) What is the purpose of the Healthy Workplace Champion Network? Healthy Workplace Champions are staff volunteers who play an important role in improving the health and well-being of SHA employees. The Champions are enthusiastic ambassadors of the Healthy Workplace Initiative who inform their colleagues about SHA (Saskatoon Area) health and wellness programs and resources, encourage co-workers to take advantage of these services, and champion the creation of a healthy workplace culture in their unit. Champions also provide feedback about staff needs/wants and ideas. They are supported by the Healthy Workplace Team in all of their endeavours. The objectives of the Network are to: Page 2

3 increase capacity within the organization to promote Healthy Workplace Initiative, improve information sharing and communication, and build awareness establish more direct connection with front-line staff promote inclusive leadership approach to achieve healthy organizational goals build sustainability for HW initiative over the long term increase support and communication for all areas including rural and community 4) Who is the Healthy Workplace Initiative? The Healthy Workplace Initiative has two employees within the Employee Wellness and Accommodations Unit in Human Resources, and is based in Saskatoon. They are: Donna Chalifoux, Healthy Workplace Consultant o Strategic development of Saskatoon and Area s Healthy Workplace approach o Lead, Healthy Workplace Initiative Mimi Lodoen, Healthy Workplace Educator o Coordinates and promote fitness centres, health promotion/wellness programming and initiatives 5) What is the registration process and how will I be supported by the Healthy Workplace Initiative? Complete the on-line registration form An orientation and relevant information will be provided by the Healthy Workplace Team to the champion and their manager A champion section is currently under development on the HW website and will focus on creating: o Resource well for champions/teams o Feedback loop to communicate with HW Team o List of Champions with contact information and process for networking ***Champions will be informed of developments in this area. 6) Who makes a good champion? People who are: Enthusiastic about improving their health and well-being and encouraging people around them to do the same Passionately interested in making improvements in the work environment that are within their/team control Good networking skills interested in connecting with others, have good rapport with people at all levels and have the trust of their colleagues. Effective at communication and sharing information Page 3

4 7) What are the Benefits of becoming a Champion? The benefits to the workplace of having a champion are many and there are also benefits for the person taking on this role. These might include: An opportunity to share something they are passionate and care about The satisfaction of making a difference to people s health and wellbeing Meeting new people in the organization outside of their role and location; sharing ideas, perspectives and challenges The opportunity to learn some new skills Have some influence in decision making regarding healthy workplace development 8) What do Champions do? SHA is a very large employer and as such, communication and connection are two large challenges. Champions are an information network and can be a conduit for motivation. Champions can assist in the creation of a healthy workplace culture in their department/unit/site by knowing about HW opportunities, sharing their passion for healthy living, and making a difference in the SHA community. Champions: Receive regular communications from the Healthy Workplace Initiative Share information (flyers, posters, brochures and announcements ) about HW programs and resources with co-workers in their department Reserve a healthy minute in their regular staff meetings/huddles to pass along HW information Encourage members of their department to participate in heath/wellness programs and take advantage of resources and services available Monthly challenges are coordinated through the HW Initiative and Champions are encouraged to promote and participate in them in their work areas Create a space or bulletin board in their work area where HW information is displayed Bring feedback and requests from co-workers to the HW Initiative Team Are an enthusiastic liaison to the HW Initiative Team May lead or organize a particular activity, such as a break-time walking group or monthly healthy potluck ***The role of the Champion is flexible to fit the needs and challenges of each work environment. The most important things are a) to let others in your area know that about the HW initiative and share the website with them; b) to share information that you receive from the HW Initiative; and c) to encourage others in your area/department to take part in some of the initiatives, such as challenges, mindfulness, etc. and to utilize resources. Page 4

5 11) Do I have to attend meetings? At this time, regular Champion Network meetings are not held; however this is an opportunity that is currently being explored. Champions will be kept informed of developments. Each year (as organizational circumstances allow) Champions are invited to the Annual Healthy Workplace Champion Summit. This is an opportunity to bring the Champions together to celebrate their involvement, share experiences, learn and gain new ideas and have some fun! Page 5