The most effective workplace health program is comprehensive in approach. There are three elements that influence health in the workplace:

Organizational Culture

Occupational Health and Safety

A safe and healthy physical environment helps to prevent workplace injury, illness and disability.

Some things to consider are:

• ergonomics
• air quality control
• first aid training
• hazardous material training

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Individual Health Practices

Employers can help improve the health of their employees by encouraging and supporting healthy behaviours.

Some thing employers can do include:

• making healthy food choices available
• organizing physical activity programs during breaks and/or lunch hours
• encouraging smoking cessation
• offering stress management workshops

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Organizational Culture

Organizational culture is the key to a healthy work environment. Research has found that supportive management practices make good business sense for the organization and for employees.

Employers can:

• introduce employee recognition programs
• offer flex time
• create employee training and development opportunities
• involve staff in decision making

You can use The Steps to Creating a Healthier Organization Toolkit to help you reach the goal of creating a comprehensive workplace health program in your organization.

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Related Links

• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS)
• Workplace Health - Health Canada
• National Quality Institute
• Workplace Health Promotion Project - The Health Communication Unit

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