Workplace Wellness Model

Workplace Wellness utilizes The Health Communication Unit's (THCU) eight-step process as a framework for implementing Comprehensive Workplace Wellness. Workplaces may move through all eight steps very quickly or choose to adopt a more gradual, guided approach to develop their wellness plan and engage their employees.

The Comprehensive Workplace Wellness Model identifies Occupational Health and Safety, Organizational Change or Culture and Voluntary Health Practices as the 3 areas within the workplace where interventions need to occur to have a positive impact on the health of the employees.

A comprehensive holistic approach is achieved by engaging employees in the development of a work plan that identifies activities under each of the 3 areas of the model and organizes these activities according to the 4 health promotion strategies (listed below).

• Awareness building
• Education and skill building
• Environmental supports
• Policy and guideline development

	Occupational Health and Safety	Voluntary Health Practices	Organizational Change
	Provide information and raise awareness about the health risks associated with chemicals used on site	Provide information and and increase awareness of health screening to employees in a newsletter or via bulletin board	Raise awareness about the importance of communicating to management about concerns related to performing their job
	Provide training to staff in relation to worker safety (i.e., WHMIS training)	Invite community agencies into the workplace to provide education sessions on pertinent health issues	Provide information sessions that identify the best way to give constructive feedback to management
	Provide all necessary safety equipment and a safe working area	Provide opportunities to be active in the workplace (e.g., onsite yoga classes)	Provide childcare facilities to create a better work-life balance for employees who are parents
	Mandate rigorous assessment of potentially hazardous materials before employees are exposed to them	Create a policy to provide flex time for employees who want to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine (walking/fi tness programs)	Develop policies allowing employees a certain amount of work time to pursue professional development opportunities

Start implementing a comprehensive workplace wellness program by using our interactive Workplace Wellness toolkit. Also you can use the Health Communication Unit's eight step process to guide your wellness program. Remember there are resources and activities for small businesses too. Call York Region Health Connection to get started today.