Workplace health promotion can take various forms – one of those is the incorporation of health and wellbeing programs and interventions in the organisation’s calendar.Â
Creating a healthy and supportive work environment is crucial for both employees and employers. According to Australia’s national authority for work health and safety, and workers’ compensation, ComCare, getting work health and safety right can deliver many benefits to people and to organisations. This includes:
- improved health and wellbeing
- greater productivity
- higher performance
- increased job satisfaction
- greater work participation and increased social inclusion
- increased individual, team and organisational resilience
- lower absenteeism rates
- less workplace injury and workers’ compensation claims
- faster return to work
- lower workers’ compensation premiums.
Recognising the importance of employee wellbeing, more organisations are now focusing on promoting workplace health and wellbeing events. These events not only enhance physical and mental health but also foster a positive and engaged workforce. These events are most effective when incorporated with a broader workplace health and safety strategy, that focusses on early intervention.
“Workplace health and wellbeing programs not only have real potential to positively influence the health of our workforce, they also make good business sense – increasing employee engagement and team cohesiveness in the short-term, and leading to reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and improved corporate image in the longer term.”
We have put together ten tips to help you plan and promote wellbeing programs in your organisation.
Here are 10 tips to help you successfully promote workplace health and wellbeing events. Whether you’re planning a fitness challenge, mental health workshop, or a wellness day, these strategies will enable you to engage employees, generate enthusiasm, and create a lasting impact on overall workplace wellness.
- Review current health and wellbeing events and programs your organisation runs.
- Gather leadership approval and commitment.
- Involve your onsite healthcare provider.
- Consult with staff. Which themes are relevant to them? How can they get involved?
- Use various communication channels to promote your programs: posters, email, meeting announcements.
- Register a team or your workplace in a fundraising or exercise challenge.
- Check the websites of health and wellbeing days. They usually have resources and tips for workplaces.
- Provide incentives for participation and recognise staff who participate and contribute to health and wellbeing events.
- Check relevant religious, multicultural, and sports days for your workforce and incorporate them into your calendar if appropriate.
- Evaluate your program and gather staff feedback for continuous improvement.
To assist your planning, download our 2024 Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing Calendar.Â
These events are most effective when incorporated with a broader workplace health and safety strategy, that focusses on early intervention.
Further information:
Guide to Promoting Health and Wellbeing Events in the Workplace, ACT Government.
Effective Health and Wellbeing Programs, Comcare.Â
Workplace Health Promotion in Small and Medium Size Businesses. US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mental Health Calendar. National Mental Health Commission, Australian Government.
2024 Calendar of Cultural and Religious Days. Department of Multicultural Affairs, Australian Government.