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HELPING PEOPLE
AND BUSINESS
THRIVECASE STUDIES
2018–19
HELPING PEOPLE
AND BUSINESS
THRIVECASE STUDIES
2018–19
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
1
CASE STUDIES 2018–19
© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, June 2019
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may
be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Territory Records Office, ACT
Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.
Enquiries about this publication should be directed to Healthier Work, GPO Box 158, Canberra City,
ACT 2601 or email: healthierwork@act.gov.au
www.healthierwork.act.gov.au | www.act.gov.au
Enquiries: Access Canberra 13 22 81
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For more information on these services visit www.relayservice.com.au
2
Table of contents
Foreword 4
Our Recognised workplaces 6
About Healthier Work 8
Platinum workplaces 12
Gold workplaces 26
Silver workplaces 38
Recognised workplaces 52
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
3
CASE STUDIES 2018–19
Foreword
_____
GREG JONES
ACT WORK SAFETY COMMISSIONER
The ACT Government, through the free Healthier Work service,
is committed to supporting Canberra’s workplaces and
ensuring that they thrive as health-promoting environments.
While the most recent ACT Chief Health Officer’s Report indicates that
Canberrans are living longer and with more years in good health, it is of
concern that roughly half of all adult Canberrans report having a long-term
health condition.1
Chronic disease risk factors – such as smoking, risky alcohol
consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity and being overweight or obese
– are a daily reality for many Canberrans. To add to this, around one in
three adult Canberrans is experiencing psychological distress2. It is also
important to remind ourselves of the relationship between mental health
and physical health outcomes.
Our ability to make healthy choices and maximise our health is heavily
influenced by our environment. Given the amount of time the average
adult spends at work, businesses must play a role in promoting healthier
outcomes for their workers. Healthy workers are more productive and
are generally happier, both at work and in their personal lives. It makes
sense for businesses to undertake relatively simple changes to create a
supportive plan for better health. This assists their workers and benefits
the business as a whole.
By signing up to a 12-month health and wellbeing plan, businesses
can receive free tailored support from Healthier Work. Businesses are
encouraged to consider people and place initiatives, supporting individual
behaviour change alongside cultural and practical supports within the
workplace (see page 9 for suggested approaches). The plan is seen as
a cycle, allowing continuous review and improvement and progression
through the Recognition ranks.
As at 1 June 2019, Healthier Work is supporting 75 local businesses,
listed on pages 6-7. An ongoing commitment to workplace health and
wellbeing has impressively seen 19 businesses recognised with Platinum
Status so far this financial year. This means that they have consistently
implemented a health and wellbeing plan for four or more years.
1 ACT Health (2018). Healthy Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Chief Health Officer’s
Report 2018. ACT Government: Canberra.
2 ABS (2016). 2014–15 National Health Survey: First results. Cat No. 4364.0.55.001. ABS:
Canberra.
4
In addition, ten businesses achieved Third Year Gold Status and 14 were recognised with
Second Year Silver Status.
Of the remaining 32 Recognised Status businesses, 28 came on board within this financial year
and the rest are due to soon progress to Silver.
To ensure our Healthier Work program is meeting the expectations of our stakeholders, an
independent evaluation of the program has recently been completed. I am thrilled to report that the
evaluation found that Healthier Work is associated with significant positive impacts on workers and
workplaces, as summarised below.
IMPACTS FOR WORKERS IMPACTS FOR WORKPLACES
• Increased morale and • Improved organisational capacity to implement
engagement amongst workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
workers • Increased workplace profile and
• Improved health literacy attractiveness to workers
• Positive changes in • Improved workplace culture
workers’ health attitudes • New or improved workplace policies, practices
and behaviours and changes to the physical workplace that
support health and wellbeing
• Return on investment through productivity
improvements
It is important to remember that workplace health and wellbeing programs can take time to effect
substantial or lasting change – as demonstrated by many of our Platinum and Gold Recognised
workplace case studies. They require a long-term investment, with adequate resourcing and
commitment. But with time, persistence and following best practice, the benefits to workers and
workplaces can be significant.
So where to for the next 12 months? Healthier Work has always been part of WorkSafe ACT and
that relationship will be strengthened in the years ahead. As we do each year, the application of
the Healthier Work program will be examined, especially in the context of the recent independent
review, to ensure it is best meeting the needs of local businesses.
WorkSafe ACT is committed to supporting businesses to implement preventive health and
safety measures. Our ability to support local businesses around mental health has been greatly
strengthened with the recent appointment of a dedicated Psychosocial Officer, who will work
closely with Healthier Work and WorkSafe ACT’s Operational team.
I trust you will enjoy reading about the many local businesses and their various approaches to
investing in the health and wellbeing of their employees. This booklet is full of great ideas and tips.
We congratulate all our participating workplaces and look forward to supporting more Canberra
businesses in the future.
Greg Jones
ACT Work Safety Commissioner
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
5
CASE STUDIES 2018–19
Our Recognised workplaces
PLATINUM – FOUR YEARS +
AIATSIS Animal Health Australia Barmco Mana Bradley Allen Love
Partnership Lawyers
Canberra Labor Capital Chemist CIT Centre for Health, Civium Property
Club Group Wanniassa Community & Science
Delnas Metal Roofing Greening Australia Lend Lease Moulis Legal
National Capital National Community OPC IT PhysioSport O’Connor
Private Hospital Care/National Healthcare
Service/National
Nursing Agency
Synergy Group
GOLD – THIRD YEAR
Early Childhood Goodwin Aged Care Griffin Legal Heart Foundation
Australia ACT
Nexus Human Office of Parliamentary PJ Shaw & Radford College
Services Counsel Associates Pty Ltd
SPOC Landscapes UNSW Canberra at the
ADFA
6
SILVER – SECOND YEAR
ACTEW AGL Retail Aspen Medical Epicon Independent Property
Management
National Accreditation National Archives of National Library Netier
Authority for Australia of Australia
Translators and
Interpreters (NAATI)
Pharmacy Guild Questacon Red Cross The Woden School
of Australia
Woden Community XACT Consulting
Services
RECOGNISED – FIRST YEAR
Acacia Children’s Access HQ Allied Health Office Alta Pete
Education Care / Clinical Education
Unit
Australian War Bendigo Bank - Binara Early Birralee Education &
Memorial ACT Branches Childhood Centre Care Centre
Callaghan’s Canberra and Region Cancer Council ACT Catholic Archbishop
Accountants Visitors Centre of Canberra and
Goulburn
Centre for Invasive Canberra Girls Canberra Youth Community
Species Grammar School – Theatre Services #1
Junior &
Senior School
Department of Finance DFK Everalls Evoenergy Forrest Early
Greenway Childhood Centre
Interaction Karinya House Kingsford Master Builders ACT
Consulting Group Smith School
McDonald Narrabundah Children’s Scott Leggo Gallery Sigma Bravo
Jones Homes Cottage – junior and
senior campuses
Trade Guardian UAE Embassy Universities Australia Veritec
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
7
CASE STUDIES 2018–19
About Healthier Work focus include healthy eating, physical
Healthier Work is a free ACT Government activity, mental health through social
service established to support local and emotional wellbeing, reduction of
businesses to thrive as health promoting alcohol consumption and
environments. Healthier Work’s areas of smoking cessation.
Getting started
You can access free support and resources from Healthier Work at any stage of your workplace health
and wellbeing journey – from gaining management commitment and undertaking a needs assessment,
to establishing your health and wellbeing plan, maintaining momentum with its implementation, right
through to monitoring your program’s effectiveness.
STEP BY STEP PLAN FOR A HEALTHIER WORKPLACE
GET STARTED
Commitment from management
GET ORGANISED
Find your champion/start a working group
GET INFORMATION
What do workers want/need? What facilities are available?
PLAN IT
What? When?
How?
DO IT
REVIEW IT CONTACT HEALTHIER Let staff know
Did it work? WORK AT ANY STAGE how to be part
of it
CHECK IT
How is it going?
8Healthier Work also offers a range of ongoing capacity building, networking and business promotion
opportunities to ensure you are fully supported.
V I SI TS,
M EN TORIN G BUS I N E S S CHALLENGES
R E S OUR CE S BREAKFA S TS
LU N C H ES P ROM OTI ON AND REWARDS
A ND ADV I CE
Personalised visits Learn from other Meet other business Social media presence Photo competition
Advice to address your businesses people Case study profiles Recognition + discounts
particular workplace needs Meet new people Celebrate your Healthier Networking opportunities and special offers
Ideas and online resources Pick up resources Work status
(e.g. guides, employee Get motivated Learn from others’
survey, scorecard, experiences
ROI calculator)
Finding the right mix
Finding the right mix of program components and strategies is critical to a successful health and
wellbeing plan. It is vital to involve workers in initial discussions. Through this, ideas can be formulated
about what kinds of activities or initiatives are needed, how they might be introduced and who would
like to be involved. This participatory approach will help to ensure your initiative or program is relevant to
workers and the environment at your workplace (including any relevant health and safety issues) – and
aid in maximising participation.
Your program should provide some variety to cater for differing individual interests. A combination
of people and places strategies is most effective. People strategies may look to increase the health
knowledge, awareness and positive attitudes of workers (personal development) and/or facilitate their
active participation in healthy behaviours (behaviour change). Places strategies are about providing a
health-promoting workplace environment through facilities, supportive cultures and policies.
People: Building knowledge, awareness and positive attitudes
Building everyone’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of health and wellbeing helps
change attitudes. Promoting a positive outlook that highlights the proven benefits of physical activity,
healthy eating and a healthy work–life balance is fundamental to achieving improved awareness and
program involvement. The key is to create educational initiatives that are not only highly informative, but
also fun.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
9
Greg Jones, ACT Work Safety Commissioner, speaking at a Healthier Work Networking Breakfast. CASE STUDIES 2018–19These can be in the form of ‘guest speaker’ get-togethers, seminars, workshops or simply
the dissemination of information on specific issues such as physical activity, nutrition and
hydration, smoking cessation, risky alcohol consumption, and mental health through social and
emotional wellbeing.
If you’ve used the ACT Online Employee Health and Wellbeing Survey (available from the Healthier
Work website), consider what topic areas to target based on where knowledge levels or confidence
to change are lowest. Many organisations and service providers in Canberra are able to assist and
actively participate in this area. You can also use messages and associated resources from current
health promotion campaigns. See the Healthier Work website for supporting information.
People: Facilitating active participation in healthy behaviours
Initiatives that provide the motivation or support for behavioural (lifestyle) change are likely to have
a greater impact beyond the workplace and for longer periods of time. Promoting lifestyle change
could be as simple as:
• encouraging using stairs instead of lifts or escalators and walking to external meetings
• establishing a lunchtime walking group or a simple ‘Walk Challenge’
• providing fruit in staff rooms
• ensuring canteens and vending machines have healthy food options
• supporting participation in quit smoking sessions.
Place: Creating health-promoting environments
Initiatives that demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff
and acknowledge the role that your workplace setting can play in influencing staff health can be
extremely effective. These initiatives may be around:
• improving access to facilities that support healthy choices and healthy behaviours, such as
change rooms, showers and bike racks
• improving the psychosocial culture through, for example, good management practices,
promotion of work–life balance, and recognition of staff achievements
• policies that support healthy choices and health behaviours, such as smoke-free workplace,
alcohol and healthy catering policies.
Your managers have a particularly important leadership role to play, not only through monitoring
the health of workers but by good role modelling and nurturing healthy organisational cultures.
Your leaders need to be appropriately trained and supported, so include training and signature
leadership behaviours in your plan.
10DID YOU KNOW?
Every dollar you spend creating a mentally healthy workplace can, on average, result in a
positive return on investment of $2.30.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace. Return on investment analysis, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (2014)
ACT Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury (left) and ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones (right).
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
11
CASE STUDIES 2018–19Platinum workplaces 12
Snapshot: AIATSIS
Government – 130 staff
• Table tennis • 10 week personalised fitness
• Smoking reduction information circulated and dietary plan
• Online chess tournament • Ride2Work Day
• Online mindfulness • Tennis Fridays
Snapshot: Animal Health Australia
Not-for-profit – 25 staff
• Ideas on tracking water consumption • Bring your dog to work day
for hydration • Monthly walks/jogs/runs up Mt Ainslie
• ‘Taste of Harmony Day’ event • Weekly walking group
• Comfortable and practical furniture for • Shower supplies to promote
outdoor lunch/meeting space physical activity
• Gratitude Board
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
13
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
Inspired by a common goal
Barmco Mana McMurray Pty Ltd – 12 staff
Barmco Mana McMurray offers consulting target shooting, being a great way to release
expertise in projects, commercial any negative vibes and create comradery.”
buildings, specialised engineering Having been part of the Healthier Work program
services and related activities within the for many years, Barmco Mana McMurray has
property and construction industry in seen how their planned activities and events
ACT and surrounds. have influenced and inspired their people.
“Healthier Work shaped our team’s culture
A foosball table in the Barmco Mana McMurray because even when the company is its busiest,
office sets the scene for a team committed to staff we still manage to integrate activities,” explains
welfare and a fun, agile workplace. Trent. “Simply preparing our own healthy foods
“Foosball matches are now a regular feature of for lunch and breakfast, having to walk to
our Friday afternoon activities, and if anything, the buy a coffee, walking while on a meeting, or
competition has become fiercer as player skills committing to help through our group blood
have grown,” says Director Trent Gourgaud. “It is a donations drive, inspires us to be healthy with
great way to end the week.” a positive outlook in life and to be able to help
This is just one way Barmco Mana McMurray injects others as well.”
health and wellbeing into their workplace culture. They’ve seen firsthand how a healthier
“We also provide fruit bowls for our Canberra office workplace creates a more positive work
where staff and visitors can get an instant healthy environment and results in less mistakes and
energy fix during our meetings,” says Trent. “We excellent work quality.
never forget to include socio-cultural activities at “The team is dedicated to helping each other
least once per quarter – with the recent one, clay through a common goal.”
14Holistic plan delivers variety
Bradley Allen Love Lawyers – 75 staff
Bradley Allen Love Lawyers is a law For 2019, their charity of the year is Menslink.
firm that prides itself on its lawyers Recently they added new initiatives such as
being not only talented and innovative, celebrating Harmony Day, putting together
but capable of going beyond the a netball team for the ACT Law Society
traditional legal role of reactive adviser competition, providing healthy snacks, and
to working as an extension of their promoting stress management techniques
including mindfulness practices.
clients’ businesses.
“For us, the main outcomes of the program
Variety is the defining factor for the annual health are removing hierarchy and facilitating team
and wellbeing plan at Bradley Allen Love Lawyers. bonding, providing an outlet for stress, and
They make sure there is something for everyone improving staff health and morale,” says Helen.
and have found participation has increased as “We love the opportunity to add new activities to
they widened the activities to include a focus on our plan each year.”
mental wellbeing. Making the plan all-inclusive makes a big
“Not everyone enjoys bootcamp, but those difference, and Helen recommends others take
staff may enjoy a trivia night, salad club or a an approach that considers all focus areas of
mindfulness session,” explains Helen Parrett, health and wellbeing.
Human Resources Manager. “Mental health and “We suggest making your health and wellbeing
stress management are particular components plan holistic – look at all sections of health, not
of the program we have spent more time on to just physical,” explains Helen. “Also, don’t put it
support staff wellbeing, recognising high stress off – it can be hard to get started, but once you
is a natural occurrence in a fast-paced law firm.” do, it’s really rewarding. Healthier Work activities
Each year the team comes together to raise have shaped our team’s culture by providing
money for a nominated charity of the year, something for everyone and making sure all staff
which also brings awareness to their community have an activity they enjoy participating in.”
and helping others. It’s a fitting way to keep
everyone focused on the greater good.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
15
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
A genuine team culture
Canberra Labor Club Group – 150 staff
With more than 60,000 members friendly and fun workplace,” says Lynda. “Our
across four Canberra venues, Canberra staff enjoy looking at new ways to promote,
Labor Club Group provides great dining support and encourage health and wellbeing.”
and entertainment options in a relaxed As part of the Club’s 12-month plan, they have
and stylish club atmosphere. found discounted corporate gym memberships
have been particularly well received. The
Even after five years executing a formal health annual ski trip to Thredbo creates a feeling
and wellbeing plan, the Canberra Labor Club of comradery (and sore muscles), and the
Group still finds value in regularly updating their introduction of an employee wellness day has
tactics and activities, and seeking input from been a big success.
Healthier Work. “We sent baskets out to each of the venues with
“Having the program is a great reference point,” fruit, herbal teas, cereals and gym passes to all
says Lynda Bailey, the Club’s Group Human our employees,” explains Lynda. “They loved it.”
Resources Manager. “I go back to the program The popular Steptember challenge last year
monthly to ensure I am hitting our targets and it helped them raise over $3,000 for the Cerebral
supports me to research other healthy options Palsy Alliance.
and ideas for our people.” “As leaders in customer service, this program
Even within a large team across multiple venues, has assisted in supporting staff to enjoy their
staff engagement has been high because the jobs and the place in which they work, which
Club invests in flexible options to support and then reflects in the great service they provide,”
empower staff. says Lynda. “It has supported a real sense
“This program ensures we maintain our of team.”
commitment to having healthy employees,
in body and mind, which supports a positive
16Snapshot: Capital Chemist Wanniassa
Health – 25 staff
• Picnic at Pine Island • Exercise buddies
• Bowling night • Water alarms
• Healthy cook-off • Healthy hump day
• 2&5 Challenge • Dance challenge night
Snapshot: CIT Centre for Health, Community & Science
Health – 200 staff
• Promote telephone support services • Access to CIT gym
• Swap it • Corporate teams for events such as fun
• Circulate/exchange healthy recipes runs/walks
• Stretch application on all staff computers • Safe consumption of
alcohol training session
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
17
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
Snapshot: Civium Property
Professionals – 75 staff
• Step challenge with Heart Foundation • Healthy cooking class by Nutrition
• Alcohol consumption guidelines Australia ACT
for work events • Weekly fruit deliveries
• House games • Chilled tap water
• Quit Smoking seminar and QuitCoach
Snapshot: Delnas Metal Roofing
Construction – 26 staff
• Reimburse skin checks by a • Reimburse nicotine
qualified practitioner replacement therapies
• Tradies Tune Ups • Movember
• Hosting all-staff meetings and social • Annual flu vaccinations
BBQs to encourage discussions • Sunscreen provided
18Snapshot: Greening Australia
Not-for-profit – 15 staff
• Feb Fast • Dry July
• Healthy recipe sharing lunch • Walking group
• Health and wellbeing as part • Circulate information on responsible
of induction process alcohol use
• Water for a week challenge • Staff BBQ lunches
DID YOU KNOW?
The cost of presenteeism was estimated at $34.1 billion in 2009–2010.
Economic Modelling of the Cost of Presenteeism in Australia: 2011 Update, Econtech (2011)
TIP
Go for a ‘walking meeting’ instead of sitting around the boardroom.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
19
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
Snapshot: Lend Lease
Construction / Real Estate – 55 staff
• Healthy cooking demonstrations • Corporate gym memberships
• Skin checks • Fatigue management awareness
• Mental Health First Aid • Beyond Blue workshop
• Break-out lounge • Lend Lease family day
Snapshot: Moulis Legal
Professionals – 18 staff
• Healthy Friday team breakfast • Water bottles
• Health appraisals • Seminar on proper posture
• Activity bingo and scavenger hunt • Personal training sessions
• Weekly mindfulness hints and • Fruit and nuts provided for the office
recommended activities
20Jessica Kearney, Health Information Manager, National Capital Private Hospital (left) with ACT Minister for
Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris (right).
Healthy staff making a difference
National Capital Private Hospital – 450+ staff
Located in Garran ACT, the National Steptember has always been a big hit with
Capital Private Hospital provides a range hospital staff, with departments competing
of acute and medical healthcare services against each other for bragging rights. Their plan
also includes a water awareness program and
including orthopaedics, cardiology,
subsidised nicotine replacement therapy.
cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery,
neurosurgery, plastic surgery, vascular Management support is a defining factor for
their success.
surgery, urology and geriatric medicine.
“By having such a large number of staff working
“Healthy staff leading the way is how we show over a 24-hour period it can be challenging but
Canberra we are an elite hospital,” says Jessica all managers are regularly involved in pushing
Kearney, Health Information Manager at National forward our Health Wellness Program to staff,”
Capital Private Hospital. explains Jessica. “By involving more managers
This attitude towards health has become an I have found they take pride in the program and
embedded part of the hospital’s culture, thanks help me continue to promote what we started.”
to the way staff have embraced the activities and It makes a difference, not only to staff, but to
initiatives of their health and wellbeing plan. patients and the hospital’s staffing scorecard.
“The feedback we get from staff is that they “Being healthy and happy at work has a follow-
genuinely enjoy having healthier work goals and on effect – we see less absenteeism and greater
feeling supported in this way,” says Jessica. productivity around the hospital,” says Jessica.
“This motivates me to find new ways to engage “By promoting a positive work health balance, we
them to continue our success as a Healthier can continue to provide our patients with the best
Work hospital.” care possible.”
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
21
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
Valuable investment in team success
National Healthcare Services | National Nursing Agency |
National Community Care – 150 staff
The three companies provide carers and has continued to talk about what they each will
nurses to the Canberra community in stop or swap for this coming year,” says Lisa. “We
hospitals and nursing homes, along with also continued our family-focused Christmas party
community care within client homes. for five consecutive years now, which has seen
attendance increase.”
Carers work incredibly hard, often putting the The companies know their commitment to a
needs of others before their own. That’s why healthier workplace has paid off and become
keeping National Healthcare Services, National ingrained into their business ethos.
Nursing Agency and National Community Care
“Over the years our annual plan has become
staff healthy is a priority for management and the
integrated into our everyday culture,” says Lisa.
benefits are truly priceless.
“They say it takes 18 months to three years to
“We want to ensure we care for our carers,” change workplace culture and ours has certainly
explains Lisa Walker, Managing Director of benefitted. Our team sick days have decreased,
National Healthcare Services and National employee productivity has increased, and we
Nursing Agency. “This is important as the general
have nearly doubled in size as our employees are
burnout rate of all types of carers is far too high.”
referring others to join our team.
To make sure their health and wellbeing plan
“Our team is constantly wanting to do social
can provide the right level of support at the right
things as a group!” says Lisa. “This has been
times, they proactively and regularly survey staff.
amazing as in our line of work we are often
“We ask our team for input on what they want
working independently alongside an already
through an annual survey,” says Natashia Telfer,
established team.”
Managing Director of National Community Care.
“We simply ask for three suggestions. This can It has made such a big difference that they think it
be anything from prize ideas, social events, would be detrimental to stop offering a formalised
challenge ideas, or local charities we wish to health and wellbeing plan. In fact, Natashia says
sponsor that are close to the hearts of our other businesses should think seriously about
team members.” signing up.
This feedback helps them make modifications “You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!
and tailor initiatives accordingly; often resulting in This Healthier Work plan has been beyond
expansion of their Healthier Work plan each year. invaluable to the worth and success of our team
“More recently we adjusted one of our less and the services we provide our community,
successful challenges to a ‘stop it or swap it’ 30- and in turn, to those who receive our services,”
day challenge and it was a huge hit and the team explains Natashia.
22An inclusive and socially active workplace
OPC IT – 30 staff
OPC IT delivers sophisticated ICT greater levels of flexibility and a relaxing of some
solutions and web services tailored to of our traditional operational models.”
suit all business sectors. They have been Healthier Work activities help create that
proudly Canberra-based and family- inclusive and socially active work environment.
owned for 33 years and have a strong “A great part of the Healthier Work program is
commitment to their community. that it encourages you to try lots of new things
and you can then keep what works for you,”
A long-term pledge to provide a explains Tim.
healthy workplace aligns with OPC IT’s
For OPC IT, this includes fresh fruit in the
business objectives.
morning and daily meditation in the afternoon.
“A healthier team both physically and mentally is a
“These activities have become part of the fabric
vital part of our three core objectives – Our Team,
of daily life at OPC,” says Tim.
Our Company and Our Customers – because
they are interdependent and cannot exist in Given OPC IT is now recognised with Platinum
isolation,” explains OPC IT’s Tim Cox. “Healthier status, they’re keen for other businesses to
Work activities have shaped the daily rhythm of know how easy it is to get started with a health
life at OPC IT and help integrate new members and wellbeing plan.
into the team.” “Jump on board,” says Tim. “The Healthier
A program that fits so cohesively with their Work team has always been there to help when
approach to work means it can remain a non- we’ve had any questions about putting together
negotiable part of everyday planning. a plan and are very responsive.
“We spend so much time at work it needs to be “Plus the bus competition is always a source of
fun,” says Tim. “We are working towards even enthusiastic photo suggestions!”
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
23
CASE STUDIES 2018–19m
Platinu
Snapshot: PhysioSport O’Connor
Health – 50 staff
• Healthy snacks for morning teas and • Mental health seminar
staff meetings • Encourage staff to walk or ride to work
• Feb Fast on a regular basis
• Courtyard furniture to encourage staff to • Pilates
take breaks away from their desks • Pedometers
• R U OK? Day
Snapshot: Synergy Group
Professionals – 120 staff
• Spartan Race • Mental Health Resilience training
• Dragon Boating team • The Bloody Long Walk
• Wellbeing apps • Dry July
• Neverest Challenge
24HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
25
CASE STUDIES 2018–19GOLD
Gold workplaces
26Flexible wellbeing time for all
Early Childhood Australia – 70 staff
Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is the Staff had also provided feedback via a survey
national peak body for early childhood, that indicated the first thing people sacrifice
when they feel stressed is wellbeing, including
acting in the interests of young children,
exercise. Restoring balance can be difficult
their families and those in the early
during busy times, yet this is often when people
childhood field. ECA advocates to ensure need to be reminded of options for their health
quality, social justice and equity in all and wellbeing.
issues relating to the education and care “Management have been really proactive in
of children aged birth to eight years. tackling this challenge and have introduced
flexible wellbeing time,” says Paige. “The idea
After implementing initiatives to support staff for
is that two to three times a week, staff can take
four years, ECA’s healthier work culture is now
time to practice wellness, whether this is going
well embedded into their daily work habits.
for a walk, doing mindfulness activities, going to
“It only takes one idea and one person to create the gym over lunch, or joining groups such as the
change, but the value of having a team to develop ECA Bookclub.
a vision and champion healthier work for us “The hope is that this initiative will lead to a better
has been invaluable,” says Paige Pollard, ECA balance, increase socialisation and collaboration
Media Manager. “It is so important to recognise at work, and reduce stress – both mental
and understand different people have different and physical.”
things that motivate them, so you need to find
A couple of other popular features of their
what motivates people in your organisation and most recent plan is their filtered water cooler,
use that to get them on board with what it is that which has brought back the ‘watercooler chat’
you’re trying to achieve.” for greater cohesion, as well as a scheduled
For ECA, their focus is on helping staff make reminder to stand up regularly.
smarter choices by offering alternatives to the way “It has been so pleasant to hear the change in
things have always been done. workplace conversations!” says Paige. “Everyone
“We recently swapped our cookie jar for a healthy has started to use their standing desks more
alternative and we now have a nut jar,” explains often with the encouragement of ‘stand o-clock’.
Paige. “Another recent hit included purchasing We have seen an increase of walking meetings
second-hand puzzles and creating a space for and more conversations sharing healthy eating
mindfulness puzzle activities.” tips and recipes.”
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19Gold
Spread the word
Goodwin Aged Care Services – 545 staff
Goodwin Aged Care is a community- water bottle with a short quiz inside), and Thank
based, not-for-profit organisation You boards (which give employees the chance
that provides Canberra and regional to recognise each other’s efforts).
communities with experience-driven They also trialled a ‘health journey’ where
independent living villages, reliable staff could register their weight loss goal and
several staff received a gift voucher for their
in-home care, and superior standard
weight loss efforts.
residential aged care facilities.
Goodwin suggests having a few keen
“We recognise how important it is to have champions from different areas or teams –
healthy and happy employees who feel particularly with a larger workforce – to spread
valued, and we want to help provide them the word and help build enthusiasm.
with opportunities to make a difference to their Plus, it’s important to recognise how valuable a
wellbeing,” says Emma Woods, Wellbeing and flexible and tailored approach can be.
Rehabilitation Advisor at Goodwin Aged Care. “It’s best to start small with your activities, and
Over the several years that Goodwin has then as staff become more engaged, gather
implemented a wellness calendar, they have their ideas and feedback to tailor some of your
seen an overall improvement in staff morale. wellness activities,” suggests Emma. “If we hold
Staff culture has also been enhanced, with workshops, we ensure that there is more than
workers naturally encouraging each other to one session available or hold them on more
be healthier. than one day so that more staff have a chance
“With such a large and dispersed workforce, to attend.
the main challenge for Goodwin is to get the “I think it is exciting to offer staff something that
word out about what activities are available to is of benefit to them, and sometimes something
attend and when they’re on,” explains Emma. that they can enjoy with their colleagues, for
“A lot of our employees work across a 24/7 example participating in the Dementia Australia
roster, so aligning events and activities so that Memory Walk or Canberra Times Fun Run.”
all employees have a chance to participate can No matter how many years Goodwin has been
be difficult.” involved with Healthier Work, they still rely on
Some of their successful initiatives include the expertise of others to keep them inspired.
multicultural food festivals (where staff register “Healthier Work ACT has been instrumental in
to bring a traditional dish to share with their providing resources, advice, and pointing us
colleagues at their staff meeting), a health quiz in the right direction with getting our wellness
prize draw (where staff are given a free Goodwin calendar going,” says Emma.
28HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19Gold
Wellness ingrained in the culture
Griffin Legal – 20 staff
Griffin Legal is a nationally operating commitment, and that healthy work practices
commercial law firm with offices in are and will continue to be a priority.”
Canberra and Melbourne. They provide Undoubtedly, the juggle between working with
practical, reliable and quality legal clients and attending planned activities is never
services, and cultivate a supportive easy. Griffin Legal keep their plan flexible and
avoid planning compulsory activities outside of
team culture.
business hours.
For a bustling law firm, managing stress is “It took some trial and error to develop a plan
particularly important for ensuring staff can that suited our lawyers. In the legal profession,
maintain a healthy balance. there is pressure on lawyers to meet a billable
“We recognise that the legal professional has budget and there are pressures for lawyers
throughout their day,” explains Penelope. “We
a reputation for poor mental health for lawyers
believe any effective healthy workplace plan
and law students,” explains Penelope Gibbons,
should not demand too many resources or too
Office Manager at Griffin Legal. “A healthier
much time. It should be easy to implement and
workplace is important to us because it means
ingrained in the culture of the business.”
we are taking proactive steps to improve
healthy practice and good mental health for our Griffin Legal’s most successful activities have
involved sessions on stress management
professionals and for our industry.”
and stress resilience, as well as incentives
It’s this attitude that has helped keep the firm for employees, such as FitBits, Sportsmans
focused on their staff health and wellbeing over Warehouse vouchers and reimbursements
the years. towards employee fitness costs.
“While we have always had healthy practice “Our healthy workplace plans have assisted with
policies and procedures in place, the Healthier increasing staff morale, reducing absenteeism,
Work program has helped us to formalise this and increasing productively,” says Penelope.
commitment,” says Penelope. “This has had a “We especially appreciate the positive impact
positive impact on our culture, as it shows our the program has had on our culture and the
employees that our annual planning involves this mindset of our employees.”
30HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19
ACT Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Rachel Stephen-Smith, speaking at a WorkSafe ACT function.Gold
Cook-off for healthy competition
Heart Foundation ACT – 12 staff
The Heart Foundation is a health “We enjoy working as a team and doing things
promoting charity that funds lifesaving together which is convenient given the team
heart research and is focused on is so small. We try to keep things flexible to
improving heart disease prevention and accommodate everyone.”
care for all Australians. It seems delicious food holds a certain charm
for the Heart Foundation staff, with any activities
The Heart Foundation ACT promotes a healthy
involving cooking and eating attracting the
lifestyle to all members of the community. Yet a
most interest.
health and wellbeing plan still makes it easier for
the team to come together and stay motivated Activities related to food are always successful.
for their own physical and mental health. They have held several ‘cook-offs’ where
“Our culture is already very health focused colleagues try to out-health each other in their
but taking part in Healthier Work activities dishes. They’ve also held a ‘soup-off’ and a
has cemented this,” says Robyn Smith, Heart ‘salad-off’.
Health Coordinator. “Healthier Work has Their 12-month plan also includes weekly
many messages that are in line with the Heart walks, and an ongoing approach to taking
Foundation, particularly around active living, walking meetings, which has shown to generate
nutrition and reducing smoking.” innovative and valuable ideas.
The team genuinely enjoy spending time “Having the support of Healthier Work ACT
together, so the plan is full of interesting and fun makes doing workplace wellness activities
things to do, which keeps everyone engaged. easy,” says Robyn. “Taking advantage of all the
“Everyone is very enthusiastic about the plan things Healthier Work offers and engaging with
but time and availability is probably our biggest other workplaces is of great benefit to us.”
hurdle,” explains Robyn.
32Team productivity and publicity
Nexus Human Services – 30 staff
Nexus Human Services is a disability “We have been lucky to win two photo
employment and NDIS provider. They competitions in a row and have our photo on
the bus for a year,” says Lisa. “This has been
offer a wide range of support services
great publicity.”
for individuals with mental health issues
or other disabilities in their journey to The free publicity is a bonus, but it’s how the
initiatives – including multicultural lunches, juicy
finding employment. Support services
June, flu shots and a water drinking challenge –
are also available to assist people
impact on team building and productivity.
already working to maintain employment
“Having a healthier workplace has improved
and develop career aspirations.
employee motivation and how efficient and
It has taken a few years to establish the right mix productive they can be,” explains Lisa. “It creates
of activities to meet the interests of the Nexus a fun team culture.
Human Services workforce, but now their health “Most of the team members look forward to
and wellbeing plan is hitting the mark. what activities will be happening during the year.”
“We struggled with a concept to create healthier Lisa also notes that absenteeism has decreased
work activities across our interstate sites but feel and the overall team culture has really benefitted.
we have found a balance now,” says CEO Lisa
McPherson. “Staff are more productive “Try it for just one year and you will see the
and positive.” difference within your team environment,”
says Lisa.
The Nexus Human Services team has been
prominent on Canberra’s bus network,
showcasing their smiling faces in support of their
approach to healthy behaviours.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
33
CASE STUDIES 2018–19Gold
Susan Roberts, General Manager and Chief Finance Officer,
Office of Parliamentary Counsel (right) with the ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones (left).
A long-term wellbeing focus
Office of Parliamentary Counsel – 106 staff
The Office of Parliamentary Counsel It makes a difference, with higher levels of staff
is a Commonwealth Government awareness of the importance of good health and
agency delivering legislative drafting wellbeing at the Office.
and advisory services for Bills and “I see more people using the stairs instead of
subordinate legislation, preparing the lift, getting out for some form of physical
compilations of laws, and publishing activity at lunch time, and making healthier food
choices,” Susan says.
laws and instruments on the Federal
Register of Legislation website. Susan notes that at times the plan’s activities will
ebb and flow with the pace of work and that’s to
The Office of Parliamentary Counsel uses be expected.
thorough planning and evaluation to devise their “It can be challenging to introduce new activities
health and wellbeing activities, and this has
and encourage participation when staff are
been integral to their continued success.
very busy,” says Susan. “To overcome this, we
“High levels of staff satisfaction and positive generally try to choose more than one date or
feedback about the activities we have run keeps time to run an activity to widen the opportunity
us inspired,” says Susan Roberts, General for more staff to attend, and we also try to
Manager and Chief Finance Officer. conduct most activities on the premises.”
Their 12-month plan involves a series of
Regular engagement of staff through a champion
activities to support staff mental health, such
network can help keep the plan running.
as Bootcamp for the Brain, as well as mental
health training for managers, supervisors and “Form a group of champions from all levels
other staff. They also offer health checks, and across the organisation to assist in creating and
nutrition and cooking presentations. implementing a healthier workplace,” Susan
Importantly, keeping their people healthy is truly recommends. “Survey staff and ask them what
valued and supported by management. they would like to see in the plan.”
“As many employees stay with the Office for
many years, both short-term and long-term
health issues are important to us,” says Susan.
34Snapshot: PJ Shaw & Associates Pty Ltd
Professionals – four staff
• Water bottles • Promote work–life balance
• Encourage staff to eat healthy options • Team coffee once a week
both in the office and while in the field • Minimum of two laps around Kingston
• Breaks away from desk shop block each day
• Million Paws Walk
Snapshot: Radford College
Education – 300 staff
• Social club gatherings • Soup lunch
• Staff health clinic • Blood donations
• Staff teams participate in sports days • Provide bike racks, shower room,
(athletics, basketball, swimming, change rooms
cross country) • Bootcamp
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
35
CASE STUDIES 2018–19Gold
Snapshot: SPOC Landscapes
Construction – two staff
• Host a Christmas lunch/dinner with • Promote positive mental
healthy options available health resources
• Stop work for morning tea and lunch • Steptember
• Social functions for employees • Workplace challenges
and their families
DID YOU KNOW?
Research indicates that people who are physically active in their daily lives are more
productive in the workplace and have better attendance records.
Physical Activity, Absenteeism and Productivity: An Evidence Review. Davis & Jones (2007)
36Staff and students benefit from health promotion
UNSW Canberra – 400+ staff
Through experience in education “It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it has to
and achievements in research, be meaningful to staff, so ask for their input and
UNSW Canberra excel in teaching involvement in developing the best activities.”
undergraduate, postgraduate and Given many of us spend most of our waking
doctoral research students across arts, lives at work, having activities for staff to
improve their physical and psychological
business, cyber security, engineering,
wellbeing means they’ll feel more positive
IT, logistics, management, space and
about being at work. And social occasions
science. Their undergraduate programs serve to build comradery and a sense of
are tailored to the educational needs shared purpose.
of members of the Australian Defence “Not only are we giving them tools and skills to
Force, while graduate and doctoral improve their own lives, we are also helping to
research programs are available to reduce absenteeism, increase staff engagement
all students. Since 2016, entry to and improve the overall productivity and output
undergraduate study in all engineering for the university,” explains Pru. “With some
specialisations has been opened up to of the workplace leaders also participating
civilian students. in the activities, it makes our leaders more
approachable and understanding of the
UNSW Canberra’s approach to health and demands on our staff.”
wellbeing has been highly effective. They put Some of the most successful initiatives are
this down to how involved their people have weekly yoga classes, weekly stretch and
been in suggesting activities, and the strong flexibility sessions, Mental Health First Aid
rates of participation by many staff, including training, RUOK Day, and the World’s Biggest
their leaders. Morning Tea. Importantly, many of the activities
“It doesn’t mean giving your staff everything are available to both staff and students of
their hearts desire but at least finding a the university.
compromise on activities and/or events that “We have involved our Equity, Diversity and
will give staff a sense of value and respect Inclusion Manager to ensure that the diversity of
while assisting the overall objectives of the our staff and student cultural backgrounds are
organisation,” says Pru May, Manager – Health, highlighted and celebrated to ensure a sense of
Safety & Facilities for UNSW Canberra. belonging for all,” says Pru.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
37
CASE STUDIES 2018–19Silver
Silver workplaces
38Snapshot: ACTEW AGL Retail
Retail – 250 staff
• Fluid challenge • Proactive health testing
• 10% challenge – reducing • Spring clean
carbon emissions • Safety Week activities
• Mindful lego • Keeping well in winter
DID YOU KNOW?
The average worker is up to 7% less productive because of their health risks.
The Health of Australia’s Workforce, Medibank Private (2015)
TIP
Keep good records of program initiatives, participation rates and any identified barriers or
enablers in implementation. This will assist in your ongoing monitoring and evaluation of
your program.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19Silver
Helping staff feel valued
Aspen Medical – 100 staff
Aspen Medical is an Australian-owned, Their activities include yoga and meditation,
multi award-winning, global provider of Steptember, and special celebrations for
Harmony Day, Mental Health Week, Women’s
guaranteed and innovative healthcare
Health Week and Men’s Health Week.
solutions across a diverse range of
sectors and clients including defence, “Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural
diversity – a day of cultural respect for
mining and resources, oil and gas,
everyone in the workplace who calls Australia
government, and humanitarian.
home, and it gets lots of interest from staff,”
Aspen Medical has been dedicated to providing says Azadeh.
a variety of health and wellbeing options to their It’s this passion and interest from staff that
staff for many years, so they’re well-practiced at helps build momentum for activities and
devising their 12-month plan of activities. events, and motivates Azadeh to keep
“Each year we design the health and wellbeing promoting and refining the plan each year.
program with activities that promote a healthy, And it’s the effort that counts.
safe and supportive work environment,” says
“Creating a healthier workplace is worth the
Azadeh Hatami, Aspen Medical’s Senior
HSE Coordinator. effort and all the staff appreciate it,” says
Azadeh. “It increases staff engagement and the
feeling of worthiness in the workplace.”
40HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19Silver
Snapshot: Epicon
IT – 70 staff
• Health checks • Walking challenge
• Promote Beyond Blue • Tough Mudder group
• Replace biscuits with fruit and nuts • Dry July
• Posters on benefits of giving up alcohol
and sugar
DID YOU KNOW?
Organisations that implement health promotion strategies in the workplace can reduce
their workers’ health risk factors by up to 56%.
The Health of Australia’s Workforce, Medibank Private (2015)
TIP
Do not underestimate the benefits of starting health and wellbeing initiatives in your
workplace, whatever their size or scope.
42Team happiness comes first
Independent Property Management – 46 staff
Independent Property Management “We also believe that work–life balance is a
has extensive and thorough knowledge critical part of a productive employee.”
of the local rental market. The team are With a large team, it’s important for all team
skilled negotiators, problem solvers, members to bond with each other and their
wealth creators and trusted advisors for managers for overall morale. The initiatives in
their clients in relation to all their health and wellbeing plan help to drive a
culture of inclusion, which in turn creates close
things property.
bonds, which is important for staff retention.
While Cleo, the old English sheep dog, is just “Our team really enjoys the programs, and
one – albeit very cute – element of Independent their happiness is at the forefront of what we
Property Management’s health and wellbeing do every day,” says Grace. “The engagement
plan, she’s been a fantastic source of stress and productivity of the team has increased as a
reduction and all-round smiles for the team. result of a healthier environment.”
“There have been many studies conducted to To ensure the plan is an embedded part of their
confirm that dogs in the workplace reduce team calendar, Independent Property Management
member stress levels and promote happier decided to employ a team member in a ‘people
employees and improved culture,” says Grace and culture’ role.
Hooper, Head of Property Management Growth. “We have found that having a dedicated staff
“This has certainly been the case in our business.” member responsible for driving this has enabled
Beyond Cleo, the team’s health and wellbeing us to add more events to our calendar and
plan includes F45 training, boxing classes, allowed us to surprise and delight the team with
meditation classes, healthy eating seminars, the fun and thoughtful gestures such as celebrating
CEO sleepout and Ninja Warrior ropes courses. Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day,
“We believe the healthier and happier our team Easter and any number of other key dates
are, the better they perform,” says Grace. across the year,” explains Grace.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE
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CASE STUDIES 2018–19You can also read
