Today kicks-off a month long initiative for bringing improved health into the Canadian workplace. Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM), managed by Excellence Canada, seeks to:
” (I)ncrease awareness of a comprehensive approach to workplace health in Canada that involves… health and lifestyle practices, workplace culture and a supportive environment, physical environment and occupational health and safety”
A healthy workforce is something that every corporation should be investing in. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada reports the average worker clocks 36.6 hours per week (which is nearly 25% of our available time). That might not seem like a lot but when you factor in additional time spent outside of work hours (such as commuting, work-related thinking/stress and planning personal commitments around the work schedule), we spend a large portion of our waking hours “clocked-in”. And let’s face it, with modern day technology and work from home options, it’s hard for us to just unplug or disconnect from the work environment. We take work home with us and we bring our home lives into the workplace; the two are interconnected. Therefore, it is essential that workplaces invest in the health and wellness of their employees in positive ways to reduce burnout and stress, increase employee energy and enthusiasm and bring a sense of balance and peace to work-personal life.
A healthy workforce creates an engaged workforce creates a productive workforce which in turn creates a business that thrives!
And let’s talk about what health really is for a moment. I can tell you it’s more than just the physical body and it’s not just your nutritional choices or how/how much you exercise. It’s more than that. Organizations that are progressive in the workplace wellness arena are starting to realize that too.
This year’s over-arching theme of CHWM is Mental Health at Work where each week the following topics will be addressed:
- Safe Workplaces
- Healthy Bodies
- Supportive Workplace Cultures
- Fun at Home and Work
Stay tuned for the coming weeks as I provide some additional perspective and strategies as we look for ways Canadian workplaces and those they employ can realize improved health.
Define Me is now offering a unique and comprehensive Workplace Wellness program for companies looking to make a difference in their organization’s overall health. If you know of an organization that is looking for a workplace wellness solution, a program that engages employees and improves productivity, have them CONTACT US today.
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