Take Action

Implement Leading Practices

Introduce a Comprehensive Support System for Employee Wellness

Determine individual health needs via survey, analysis of benefits/drug utilization, focus groups. Involve unions up front to assist with development and promotion of survey.
Build onsite health promotion initiatives based on employee health and wellness needs and that address the wide range of health determinants.
Implement integrated chronic disease management programs for employees and patients/ clients.
Evaluate initiatives link with QWL indicators.
Provide EAP (employee assistance program) and introduce an approach that normalizes and de-stigmatizes mental and emotional health issues.
Offer critical incident debriefing as a normal response to all critical incidents.
Create positive and healthy relationships (self esteem to improve relations with coworkers, family).
Offer assistance and programs regarding eldercare for employees.
Visit the Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety's website for a list of tips and tools on creating healthy workplaces. www.ccohs.ca/healthyworkplaces/employers/tools.html

Having healthy employees is important to achieving excellence, as 70 per cent of ill health is preventable and good levels of health can be maintained when the workplace environment provides support and does no harm.

Increased worker stress leads to fatigue which leads to increased risk of adverse events and health problems for providers (e.g. burnout, drug & alcohol abuse).