Workplace Wellness Policy. Presentation to Victoria County Council April 28, 2014 Middle River Community Hall

Transcription

1 Workplace Wellness Policy Presentation to Victoria County Council April 28, 2014 Middle River Community Hall

2 Physical Activity is the New Wonder Drug EVEN IN THE WORKPLACE

3 Physical Activity Gets International Spotlight May 2004 World Health Assembly adopted the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity & Health United Nations General Assembly (September 16, 2011) Resolution adopted to rally the world toward addressing non-communicable disease epidemic humans face Inactivity Should be considered a pandemic. It was responsible for 5.3 million of the 57 million deaths in the world in It also caused around one in 10 deaths globally, which is comparable to the effects of smoking. (The Canadian Press, Wednesday July 18, 2012) 1 st time in history: Global Health Policy included specific physical activity solutions. As part of the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach recommended by the resolution, physical activity solutions included Workplace Health Promotion Programs, School-based Physical Education, Environmental Change in Urban Planning, Active Transportation and Parks & Recreational Space (UN declaration:

4 In Nova Scotia, nearly 50% of adults over the age of 19 are inactive (less than the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity each day) Too many Nova Scotians are at risk of poor health due to inactivity (Creating Active Communities, A Resource for Municipalities. May 6, 2011) Almost half of Victoria County residents (47%) Are Physically Inactive (Community Health Assessment: Understanding Our Health telephone survey - Victoria County Community Health Board)

5 Making A Difference Now at the Workplace! May Workplace Wellness Heart & Stroke Walkabout Session (March 11 th ) Cabot Trail Pedometer Challenge 372,000+ Steps Successful Workplace Wellness Initiatives: -Victoria County Home Support Staff -Cape Smokey Elementary Staff -North Highlands Elementary Staff -Highland Manor Staff

6 In addition to improving health, communities that invest in physical activity policies & programs can: -Save money on health care and transport services -Have more productive citizens & workers -Be more liveable and attractive to residents, employers and visitors -Have less air and noise pollution and better access to green spaces -Enhance neighbourhood revitalization, social cohesion and community identity; and expand social networks. (A healthy city is an active city: a physical activity planning guide, WHO)

7 Physical Activity Strategy Process: A Framework for Creating a Healthy, Active County Settings Schools, Workplaces, Health care, Leisure-time, sport settings, Neighbourhoods Interventions Policies, Programs, Plans, Infrastructure-strategies, communication

8 Workplace Wellness Action Plan Evidence-based approached for a healthier, active and productive workplace. The Municipality of the County of Victoria Workplace Wellness Action Plan fits in nicely with the approved Naturally Active Victoria County (Physical Activity Strategy)

9 Physical Activity Strategy Goal 6: Policies & Practices Advocate public and private sector interests to adopt policies and procedures governing the design of infrastructure and the delivery of services that supports physical activity and healthy eating (Active Communities Charter, Physical Activity Team of the HKPR District Health Unit and Health for Life, January 2007) & (A healthy city is an active city: a physical activity planning guide, WHO) This goal captures interventions based on policy and practice. These affect the safe design, planning and maintenance of natural or built environments, workplace policies, community access to public facilities, etc. Policies and operating procedures of the Municipality and other stakeholders such as CBVRSB and Mi'kmaw Kina matnewey School Boards and private sector interests may require re-alignment in support of this goal. (The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action)

10 Objective 2.2: Establish formal connections with Partners, such as Active Cape Breton Communities, Physical Activity Practitioners Exchange, Recreation Nova Scotia and Health Canada Action 2 Partner with CBDHA s Strategic Plan ( ) building awareness, a stronger and healthier Cape Breton working with communities to make healthier choices together c. Healthy Workplace: Ensure Workplace Programs meet goals, focusing on Workplace culture and support environment and healthy lifestyles

11 Objective 6.3: Advocate for Workplace Wellness Programs & Policies (UN declaration / (Active Communities Charter, Physical Activity Team of the HKPR District Health Unit and Health for Life, January 2007) Action 1. Engage employers to ensure active living has a prominent role in the workplace (The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action) a. MCOV Employees will be mentors, inspiring other workplaces through establishment of committee, action plans, policies, challenges, events, risk assessments, etc. (Active Communities Charter, Physical Activity Team of the HKPR District Health Unit and Health for Life, January 2007) & (Increasing Physical Activity What Works? U.S. Centre for Disease Control)

12 Action 2 Develop Victoria County Workplace Wellness Healthy Network a. Host Annual Healthy Workplace Wellness Network Luncheons for all existing, new and potential sites Partner: Northeast Highland Chamber of Commerce (The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action) 3.Coordinate Wellness Fairs for workplaces, direct family members in coordination with Canada Health Day (The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action)

13 Victoria County Workplace Wellness Committee Chair Vince Zina MacNeil Violet MacLellan James Dixon Medrick Dixon Kelly Brett Daniel Gwynn *Representing Municipal Staff from All Areas of Victoria County

14 Workplace Wellness Policy Workplace Wellness Policy includes the following: 1. This policy is entitled Workplace Wellness Policy 2. This policy shall apply to all employees of Victoria County 3. This policy shall be administered by the Workplace Wellness Committee

15 Purpose To improve the overall health of our organization and the well-being of our employees and families This policy aims to increase the overall health-levels of our employees, and improved quality of life. Healthy employees suffer fewer health-related injuries and are less-frequently ill and live longer with a higher quality of life.

16 Mandate The committee s responsibility is to establish the strategic direction and to make sure it meets its goals and objectives, continuing to update based on changed needs of the team &/or individual staff members &/or resources. The planning and steering of healthy workplace activities will be involved.

17 Values The Committee Values and respects open communication. The Committee supports each other in a safe and trusting environment, while working towards a vision, mission and purpose. The Committee will demonstrate these values by following their roles and responsibilities.

18 Vision To work towards creating a workplace that allows and encourages employees to reach and maintain their optimal level of health Mission All employees working together to adopt an active & healthy lifestyle in the workplace and at home to achieve personal and group goals leading to other workplace participation within Victoria County Naturally Active.

19 Objectives Improve understanding of workplace issues that impact the health & well-being of employees Providing a work environment that will support employee health & well-being Building the knowledge, skills & abilities of staff to take control over their well-being by helping individuals to become involved in improving their personal health Creating a healthy workplace that leads to improved satisfaction and morale and contribute towards a more healthy and effective organization

20 Benefits By encouraging and supporting employees in making healthy choices, the Municipality can help to improve employee health and therefore benefit from employees that are healthy and productive. -Healthier & happier workplace -Employees benefitting physically, mentally, socially & environmentally -Reduction in personal health care expenses -Improved health & well-being -Increased cohesiveness, morale & job satisfaction, leading to positive attitude -Decreased absenteeism, less injuries -Increased productivity -Fewer insurance & workers compensation claims-re-invest with return to work around wellness -Better retention & recruiting -Enhanced business reputation -Not only does the workplace affect the well-being of the worker, but the health of the worker affects the success of the organization

21 Steps Taken to Wellness Success in our Workplace 1.) MEET STAFF/ DEPT. HEADS 2.) ASSESS INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS / ORGANIZATION NEEDS 3.) ESTABLISH WELLNESS COMMITTEE 4.) ANALYZE & REVIEW PERTINENT DATA 5.) REVIEW NEEDS ASSESSMENT 6.) RECOMMEND WELLNESS ACTION PLAN 7.) PREPARE ACTION PLAN 8.) APPROVED BY ORGANIZATION 9.) RESULTS/EVALUATION

22 Workplace Wellness Committee Undertakes Support Employee Participation Improve Access to Healthier Foods in the Workplace Reduce & Manage Stress in the Workplace Support Healthy Lifestyles Facilitate Wellness through Education Increase morale & participation Prepare a budget

23 Participation Participation in the Municipality s Wellness Program is strictly voluntary and is fully confidential (i.e. Health Risk Assessments)

24 Incentives Municipal employees who choose to participate in our workplace wellness program should benefit from their increased physical condition with improved energy levels, increased selfesteem and morale as well as decreases in health-related problems / illnesses.

25 Policy Guidelines Supporting Employee Participation in Wellness Activities A.) Incentives - MCOV may provide employees with wellness-oriented incentives for participating in wellness activities. This does not extend to offering incentive pay for performance. Both long and short-term incentives to promote & sustain participation in workplace wellness activities B.) Access to Healthy Foods - Healthy foods will be promoted by providing a raised bed garden in community garden allowing for employees to grow their own healthy foods which will be planted and maintained by staff and the Wellness Committee each year to promote healthy food choices. C.) Promotion and Access to Healthy Food Choices - Healthy food choices and healthy eating in the workplace will be promoted and made available to all employees with healthy snacks and meals made available at council and staff functions and events. D.) Facilitating Wellness through Education - The Wellness Committee will be responsible for organizing multi-educational wellness sessions on a regular basis of a variety of topics relating to mental, physical, and emotional wellness. These topics can include nutrition, stress management, financial planning, etc. D.) Promotion and Access to Physical Activity & Exercise - Physical activity and exercise opportunities will be promoted and made available to all employees benefiting their physical and mental health.

26 Budget The Wellness Committee will prepare an annual budget included under the Physical Activity Strategy Budget which will be approved by Council as part of the overall budget review and approval process. The Committee will have the responsibility and authority for the implementation of the programs included in this budget.

27 Supporting Active Living through Subsidization Program a) Subsidization Program Within each one year period all staff are eligible to receive a financial incentive towards a membership or program that is intended to improve the employee s wellness. The Municipality hopes that by assisting it s employees with an outlet to perform physical exercise, they will use it regularly and increase their overall physical health as a result. b) Eligible Programs for Subsidization I. Fitness Centre! Structured Exercise Classes (e.g. gym membership, yoga or cardio class, etc.) II. Tobacco Cessation Program III. Healthy Eating Programs (e.g. Simply for Life, Weight Watchers, etc.) IV. Team or Individual Sports (e.g. hockey membership dues, etc.) The employee will pay membership fees and submit a receipt to the Physical Activity Coordinator for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be restricted to 50% of the cost, up to a maximum amount per employee per year as determined by the Wellness Committee. The funds may be split among several of the eligible programs as desired by the employee. Employees may be required to provide details regarding participation levels. c) Ineligible Expenses include equipment and materials (e.g. treadmill, hockey sticks, videos, CDs, etc.) and clothing (e.g. yoga pants, sneakers, etc.) $11,000 cost to Municipality If Every Employee Participates

28 CAO Sandy Hudson Annotation for Official Policy Date of Notice to Council Members of Intent to Consider: Date of Passage of Current Policy: I certify that this Workplace Wellness Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above. CAO Sandy Hudson Date:

29 MARCH CHALLENGE Meghan 997,609 Erin 164,963 Vince 248,370 Violet 265,544 Joan Zina 828,588 Making A Difference Well, our first of three Weekly Activity Challenges #1 (Oct 20-27/2013) has completed A BIG Congratulations to Zina for winning a $50 Gift Certificate to a business of her choosing as she completed the most steps that week with 127,273 steps; Also a draw was made and participants received tickets based on the number of activities they took part in during the week and we are pleased to announce Sandy s name was drawn; Also, those who completed 50,000 steps during the week had their name added into a draw and we are pleased to announce Dave MacKenzie was the winner! Both Sandy & Dave will also receive a $50 Gift Certificate to a business of their choosing congratulations to everyone who is participating.

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31 Employers should encourage employees to move more It s time to take a close look at a major lifestyle threat to our health the sedentary behaviour that s become a big part of the work day. Indeed, evidence suggests the time we adults spend chained to our desks is damaging to our health, perhaps even killing us We need a movement that urges employers to create a workplace culture that encourages and facilitates employees making physical activity part of their personal and professional lives