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How to achieve a healthier workplace

Achieving a healthier workplace takes a commitment to keeping your employees healthy and well.

6 steps to healthier work

It’s more than ticking a few boxes. It is a proactive and integrated aspect of your day-to-day work across the entire organisation. And it pays off!

1

Establish workplace commitment from leadership

You need a formal organisational commitment and support from management. Then identify a key leader or leaders, develop a workplace health and wellbeing policy and assign a budget.
2

Build a healthier work team

Form a workplace health team that considers human resources, WHS and wellbeing, with representatives across all levels of your business. Have your social committee and wellbeing committee report to this overarching group.
3

Bring what you are already doing together in a plan

Look at what your organisation is doing well. Many businesses already see the value in certain strategies, such as risk management systems or clear position descriptions. Celebrate what you’ve already achieved.
4

Identify your gaps: do a needs analysis

After identifying any existing initiatives, look at priority needs and interests of employees. Involve employees early to help formulate ideas. Also identify workplace needs.
5

Create a health and wellbeing plan

Create a plan that includes timelines and strategies you intend to use in your program. Make sure you include a start date and emphasise the support of management. Consider both immediate and longer-term implementation, as well as performance indicators to help assess your progress.
6

Manage and evaluate your plan

Undertake sound program coordination, effective risk management, regular communication and record keeping. Evaluate and review progress against your action plan and communicate progress and results to all employees.

Keys to success

Time

Improving health and wellbeing in the workplace is not a one-dimensional process. Creating and implementing new programs and initiatives – and changing your existing culture – takes time.

Relevance

All businesses are different and face unique problems and challenges. Make the program relevant for your business and your employees. It may take a few attempts to find the right strategies that work for your organisation.

Consultation

You have an obligation to consult employees. By involving them and showing a genuine interest in what they have to say, you will be able to tailor a program that achieves greater productivity and job satisfaction.

Communication

Communication is key to a successful program. Include employees in discussions to help formulate ideas and create relevant strategies and activities for your business. It will also help keep everyone motivated in the program and informed about progress.