Last updated: August 23, 2023
Creating Healthy Workplaces
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to continually improve the ways the workplace protects and promotes the health, safety and well-being of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace.
Healthy workplaces provide an environment that is supportive of employees’ mental and physical health, making the healthy choice the easy choice.
Why Create a Healthy Workplace?
Today’s business environment requires organizations to leverage every possible advantage to in order to thrive, be competitive and be sustainable. Research has shown that organizations with an engaged, healthy workforce are more effective, more productive, and enjoy a better reputation. Such organizations also tend to have reduced absenteeism, fewer health-related expenses, and lower staff turnover.
How Can I Support a Healthy Workplace?
Researchers have shown that, to effectively address health in the workplace, employers need to use a comprehensive approach, acting on a variety of factors. The Ontario Workplace Health Coalition (OWHC) Healthy Workplace Model has four essential elements that work together to create a healthy workplace. It can be used by workplaces of all sizes.
Resources to Support a Healthy Workplace
Healthy Eating at Work
The workplace often involves food and meal times. Our Healthy Workplace Nutrition Environment Toolkit and Hosting Healthy Meetings and Events brochure can provide some ideas to encourage healthy eating at work.
Shift Work
Shift work is common in workplaces. It can affect employee health, as well as safety on the job. Organizational approaches can reduce the negative effects of shift work.
Stress and Mental Health
One in five Canadians live with a mental illness. There are many resources available to support employees living with a mental illness and their employers.
Stress Strategies is a problem-solving approach to addressing stress management. You may wish to share this information about stress-friendly lifestyles with your employees.
