HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS - THRIVE CASE STUDIES
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HELPING PEOPLE
AND BUSINESS
THRIVECASE STUDIES
2019–20
Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people, and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay respect to them, and to the Elders both past and present.
HELPING PEOPLE
AND BUSINESS
THRIVECASE STUDIES
2019–20
© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, June 2020
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.heatlhierwork.act.gov.au | www.act.gov.au
Enquiries: Access Canberra 6207 3000
Accessibility
The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues as
accessible as possible.
If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in
an alternative format such as large print, please phone 6207 3000 or email healthierwork@act.gov.au
If English is not your first language and you require the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS),
please call 13 14 50.
If you are Deaf, or have a speech or hearing impairment and need the teletypewriter service, please
phone 13 36 77 and ask for 6207 3000.
For speak and listen users, please phone 1300 555 727 and ask for 6207 3000. For more information
on these services visit www.relayservice.com.au
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2
Workplaces participating in our Recognition Scheme � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
About Healthier Work � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Pledge wall � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12
Platinum workplaces � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15
Gold workplaces � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 33
Silver workplaces� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 41
Recognised workplaces � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 51
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
1
FOREWORD
JACQUELINE AGIUS
ACT WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER
Having recently commenced in the role of Work Health and Safety
Commissioner, I am delighted to learn more about the Healthier Work
service and the outstanding efforts of the workplaces it supports.
As part of my role, I am committed to ensuring that Healthier Work
continues to support Canberra’s workplaces to thrive as health-promoting
environments – for the benefit of all.
As the Regulator responsible for work health and safety in the ACT we must
continue to engage with ACT workplaces.
A year like no other
It has been a challenging year. The 2019–20 summer brought intense
heat, smoke, the threat of fires, as well as hailstorms. And then the threat
of COVID-19 hit our country. The word ‘unprecedented’, so commonly
used during this time, no longer seems to justly describe the situation.
COVID-19 has unsettled and disrupted our local community: our businesses,
workforce, relationships, families and friends.
Healthier Work, and indeed the whole of WorkSafe ACT, has supported
workplaces and workers during these very difficult times, with the
acknowledgement that workplaces can and must play a role in protecting
and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of our workers.
I am proud of the Healthier Work strategy implemented during COVID-19. It
provided workplaces and workers with ongoing support, including a webinar
series and access to a range of online training tools.
A picture of our health
In the main, Canberrans enjoy relatively good health and access to great
healthcare. Concerningly though, roughly half of all adult Canberrans
report having a long-term health condition.1 Adding to this is the alarming
number of Canberrans who report experiencing high or very high levels of
psychological distress – in 2017–18 this was around one in nine adults2
and the recent and ongoing challenges presented to Canberrans will surely
increase this number.
Individual behaviours can play a role in chronic disease. What cannot be
denied, however, is the significant influence that our everyday settings,
including our workplace environments, have on our ability to make healthy
choices and practice healthy behaviours.
Workplaces play a critical role in protecting and promoting the physical
and psychological health of workers. And the more a workplace does in
this space, the more it will benefit. Healthy workers are more productive,
engaged, committed and happy, both at work and in their personal lives.
1 ACT Health (2018). Healthy Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Chief Health Officer’s Report
2018. ACT Government: Canberra.
2 ABS (2018). National Health Survey: First Results, 2017-18. Cat No. 4364.0.55.001.
ABS: Canberra.
2
Free support
Healthier Work provides free support to local businesses to develop and implement
annual health and wellbeing plans that can activate both individual behaviour change
and, critically, change workplace cultures and environments (see pages 9–10 for
suggested approaches). Through the Healthier Work Recognition Scheme, businesses
advance in status each year that they commit to workplace health and wellbeing.
Many of these businesses operate over multiple sites and have diverse workplaces.
As at 29 May 2020, Healthier Work is supporting 67 local businesses, listed on pages
6–7. Participation in our Recognition Scheme is currently as follows:
• Platinum Status – 23 ACT businesses are recognised with Platinum Status
because they have consistently implemented a health and wellbeing plan for
four or more years.
• Gold Status – A total of 11 businesses hold Gold Status, having demonstrated
an ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing for a minimum of three years.
• Silver Status – 12 businesses have progressed from their first year
into Silver Status.
• Recognised Status – From a total of 21 businesses, nine came on board this
financial year and the remaining 12 are soon due to progress to Silver Status.
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.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Mentally healthier workplaces
An area that workplaces can have a great deal of influence over, and indeed have
legislated obligations around, is the psychological health of workers. In February 2020,
we launched our Mentally Healthier Workplaces initiative. This initiative has been a
priority of our Minister, Suzanne Orr MLA.
This initiative recognises the positive
influence workplaces can have on the
mental health of Canberrans. Businesses
that pledge to become a mentally healthier
workplace commit to doing our online
self-assessment and developing an action
plan addressing six key areas known to
influence how mentally healthy a workplace
is. Workplaces have access to a range of
supports along the way.
3
FOREWORD (CONTINUED)
The Mentally Healthier Workplaces initiative strengthens Healthier Work’s ability to
support workplaces in the area of mental health.
There has never been a more important time for workplaces to prioritise the
mental health of their workforce through supportive workplace cultures, practices
and programs.
Over the next 12 months Healthier Work will continue to prioritise mental health in its
provision of workplace supports, while acknowledging the important bi-directional
relationship between physical and psychological health.
With the formation of the new Office of the Work Health and Safety Commissioner,
Healthier Work will review its model of delivery to ensure it leverages on the
opportunities and relationships the broader work of the office affords. I am honoured
to oversee this transition.
I trust you will enjoy reading about the many local businesses and their various
approaches to investing in the health and wellbeing of their workforce, including how
businesses have responded to the many challenges presented to them this year.
Finally, I congratulate all our participating workplaces and thank them for their
commitment to creating safe and healthy workplaces.
Jacqueline Agius
ACT Work Health and Safety Commissioner
4
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Healthier Work Day Forum – 2019, Ann Harding
Conference Centre, University of Canberra
5
WORKPLACES PARTICIPATING
IN OUR RECOGNITION
SCHEME
P PLATINUM G GOLD
THIRD YEAR
FOUR YEARS +
ActewAGL Retail Griffin Legal
AIATSIS Heart Foundation ACT
National Accreditation Authority for
Animal Health Australia
Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
Barmco Mana McMurray Netier
Bradley Allen Love Lawyers Nexus Human Services
Canberra Labor Club Group Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Radford College
Capital Chemist Wanniassa
Red Cross
CIT Centre for Health, Community & Science
TSA Management ACT
Civium
UNSW Canberra at the ADFA
Delnas Metal Roofing Woden Community Services
Early Childhood Australia
Goodwin Aged Care S SILVER
SECOND YEAR
Greening Australia
Lend Lease Allied Health Clinical Education Unit
Moulis Legal Aspen Medical
Bendigo Bank – ACT Branches
National Archives of Australia
Canberra Girls Grammar School
National Capital Private Hospital
Community Services #1
National Community Care/National
Dexar Group
Healthcare Service/National Nursing Agency
Epicon
Office of Parliamentary Counsel
Evoenergy Greenway Office
OPC IT
National Library of Australia
PhysioSport O’Connor Questacon
Shaw Surveys The Woden School
Synergy Group Universities Australia
6R RECOGNISED
FIRST YEAR
Ainslie Group
Alta Pete
AMA Projects
Australian War Memorial
Canberra and Region Visitors Centre
Cancer Council ACT
Centre for Invasive Species Solutions
Department of Finance
Elections ACT
Icon Water
Interaction Consulting Group
University of Canberra
Karinya House
Kingsford Smith School
2019–20
Master Builders Association ACT
McDonald Jones Homes ACT Centre,
STUDIES
Conference
National Museum of Australia
Harding CASE
OzHelp
2019, Ann THRIVE
Royal Australian Mint
Scott Leggo Gallery
AND–BUSINESS
WorkSafe ACT
WSP Australia
HELPING
Healthier Work Day Forum
PEOPLE
7ABOUT HEALTHIER WORK
Healthier Work is a free ACT Government Healthier Work’s areas of focus include
service established to support local healthy eating, physical activity, mental
businesses to thrive as health promoting health through social and emotional
environments. wellbeing, reduction of alcohol consumption
and 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
G E T S TA RTE D
Commitment from management
G E T OR G A N I SE D
Find your champion/start a working group
G E T I NF OR MATI ON
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. During COVID-19, many of these supports have been
available online or on a virtual platform.
V I S I T S , R E S OUR CE S A ND A DV I CE C H AL L E N GE S AN D
R E WAR D S
Personalised visits
Advice to address your particular workplace needs Photo competition
Ideas and online resources Recognition + discounts and
(e.g. guides, scorecard, ROI calculator) special offers
BR E A K FASTS ME N TOR I N G
BUSINESS
LUNCHES
P RO M O TI ON Meet other business people
Celebrate your Healthier Learn from other businesses
Social media presence
Work status Meet new people
Case study profiles
Learn from others’ Pick up resources
Networking opportunities
experiences Get motivated
Finding the right mix
Developing the right mix of program components and strategies is critical to a successful workplace
health and wellbeing plan.
Leadership
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 cultures. Your leaders need to be
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
appropriately trained and supported, so include signature leadership behaviours in your plan.
Getting buy-in from staff
It is vital to involve employees in initial discussions to maximise participation in health and wellbeing
activities at your workplace. Through this, ideas can be formulated about what kinds of activities
or initiatives are needed, how they might be introduced and who might like to be involved. This
participatory approach will help ensure your initiative or program is relevant to workers and the
environment at your workplace. Ideally, your programs will provide some variety to cater for differing
individual interests.
Two-pronged approach to change
A combination of people and place strategies is the most effective approach to create a healthier
workplace. People strategies look to build your employees’ knowledge, positive attitudes towards
and active participation in healthier behaviours. Health and wellbeing activities that are educational or
motivational in nature therefore tend to be classed as people strategies. Place strategies are about
providing a workplace environment that promotes health through its facilities, supportive cultures and/
or policies.
91. People strategies
People strategies help to build your staff’s knowledge, awareness and positive attitudes
towards health and wellbeing in the workplace. Promoting a positive outlook that highlights
the proven benefits of physical activity, healthy eating and healthy work–life integration 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. These can be in
the form of:
• one-off training sessions, for example, a healthy cooking demonstration
• challenges and competitions such as boot camps, Steptember or Dry July
• participating in special events like RUOK? Day or other fundraisers.
2. Place strategies
Place strategies look to create a workplace environment that influences staff behaviour as part
of their day-to-day work routine. These can be low-cost, such as:
• making health and wellbeing an agenda item at team meetings
• establishing a regular lunchtime walking group
• ensuring healthier options are included at morning teas or catered events
• encouraging less sedentary behaviour – for example, using the stairs instead of the lift.
Other types of place strategies, such as improved facilities, new or revised policies, and
fostering a supportive culture can have an even greater impact beyond the workplace and for
longer periods of time. Examples include:
• 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,
good work design, promotion of healthy work–life integration and recognition of staff
achievements
• policies that support healthy choices and healthy behaviours, such as a smoke-free
workplace, and alcohol and healthy catering policies.
Mentally healthier workplaces
In February 2020, Healthier Work launched its
Mentally Healthier Workplaces initiative, which has
strengthened our ability to support workplaces in
the area of mental health.
With mental illness now the leading cause of
sickness absence and long-term work incapacity
in Australia, it’s time for Canberra’s workplaces
to make a further commitment to employee
wellbeing. By creating a workplace that prevents
harm, promotes a positive culture, protects
wellbeing and provides support for those who
need it, businesses can ensure that their people
can do their best and be their best.
10Taking the pledge
We’re asking local businesses to take the Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge.
With support from Healthier Work, your pledge involves committing to:
1. Design jobs to minimise harm
2. Promote positive factors
3. Strengthen resilience
4. Intervene early
5. Support recovery
6. Reduce stigma.
Now is the time to take action. Start with an online pledge via our website.
Road to becoming a mentally healthier workplace
Establish
commitment and
leadership support
ANALYSIS
Complete online • Job design
• Organisational factors
self-assessment • Team factors
SIX KEY ACTION AREAS
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
• Design jobs to minimise
Develop harm
Adjust action action plan • Promote postitive factors
• Strengthen resilience
• Intervene early
• Support recovery
• Reduce stigma
Review outcomes Submit action plan
11PLEDGE WALL
Congratulations to these organisations and businesses that have taken the
pledge to become mentally healthier workplaces:
12HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
DID YOU KNOW?
Tracking staff health and wellbeing at your workplace has never been
easier—try our free Workplace Score Card to establish baseline data and
measure progress.
13PLATINUM
WORKPLACES
14PLATINUM
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THESE WORKPLACES FOR
CONSISTENTLY IMPLEMENTING A
HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN
FOR FOUR OR MORE YEARS.
15ActewAGL Retail – Safety Ninjas
160 staff
ActewAGL Retail is the Canberra region’s leading energy provider.
After a few years of implementing proactive health and social engagement), sun safety education and
and wellbeing programs, the team at ActewAGL interactive personal security/safety classes.
introduced a fun new concept to drive their annual To reinforce mental health support, several of the
plan of activities. team’s activities were centred around RUOK? Day.
“Safety, health and wellness programs within “Staff shared their personal experiences with
ActewAGL Retail are led by our Retail Safety Ninjas!” mental health, plus we held a ‘Shout your mate a
says Tony Muckle, Group Manager Brand, Marketing coffee day’,” says Tony.
and Customer Channels. “They’re a passionate
group of staff who work to develop and implement ActewAGL distributed 2-for-1 coffee vouchers and
engaging and relevant activities for our team.” encouraged their staff to take someone else for a
coffee and ask the important question … RUOK?
They have even designed a couple of ninja
mascots to reinforce messaging around safety, “It’s such a worthwhile cause,” says Tony.
wellness and health – a clever way to impart
valuable ideas that cut through the busyness of
day-to-day. “Safety, health and wellness programs
Asking the important questions within ActewAGL Retail are led by our
Retail Safety Ninjas!”
The team has organised various activities
throughout the year, including a trivia night to raise
funds for Care Financial (promoting community
DID YOU KNOW?
Healthy staff are more likely to be productive, take less sick leave and
have greater levels of energy and concentration. That’s good for business!
16PLATINUM
AIATSIS – Investing in ‘place’
178 staff
AIATSIS (the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) is Australia’s
only national institution focused exclusively on the diverse history, cultures and heritage
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. Their unique knowledge, resources and
expertise enable them to tell the nation’s story and enhance the lives of all Australians.
A building redesign provided AIATSIS an Pandemic measures
opportunity to rethink their office design to ensure While the AIATSIS site closed to the public due to
it met their health and wellbeing needs. Long-term COVID-19 measures, AIATSIS moved to a 50/50
health and wellbeing champion for AIATSIS, model where approximately one half of the staff work
Amit Barkay, says with the support of from home and the other half work in the office on a
management, they were able to invest in ‘place’ week about rostered basis.
initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.
“One of the ways our teams stay connected is to do
“We moved all desks near windows for the natural 10 to 15 minutes of stretching together at the start of
light and installed sit-stand desks connected to an online Zoom meeting catch-ups,” explains Amit.
app, which helps staff set goals and reminders as
well as monitor their physical activity,” says Amit. Maintaining momentum
The team reduced the number of kitchen break- While some staff changes during the year interrupted
out areas from eight to five as part of a strategy to the usual plans and activities, Amit continued to
encourage staff to move more and connect with push forward.
one another. They also cleverly added a standing- “We’re organising a presentation in partnership with
only meeting room to encourage much Healthier Work to reinforce the relevance of why it’s
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
shorter meetings! important for us to have a plan for our health and
Getting outdoors wellbeing at work,” says Amit.
Given their lakeside location, AIATSIS staff head outside Like-minded workplaces
the office as often as possible. Early in 2020, Healthier Work held consultations with
“Over the summer months, staff enjoyed relaxing Platinum workplaces, which was valuable for Amit,
in our ‘backyard’ area overlooking the lake during who has been involved in the program for more than
their breaks,” says Amit. “We installed a large five years.
barbecue, lots of seating with sun umbrellas and “It was a great opportunity to connect with like-
trialled a herb garden. minded people who have a wealth of experience and
“The staff got together regularly to play badminton were able to share their successes and challenges
and cricket in this area or just throw a frisbee about in in implementing staff health and wellbeing initiatives
the open areas between the gum trees.” over the long-term,” says Amit. “It’s important to
talk to similar workplaces that have implemented
Cycling is also a consistent aspect of the AIATSIS the program. It is amazing how much their ‘lessons
health and wellbeing plan. learned’ can teach you.”
“Our ‘cycling to work’ promotion has been
so successful that we had to double the
size of our bike cage to accommodate
everyone’s bicycles.” 17Barmco Mana McMurray Pty Ltd – Fun to alleviate stress
14 staff
Barmco Mana McMurray (BMM) provide extensive construction and building services to
government, scientific/laboratory, healthcare, Defence, commercial, hospitality, office and mixed-
used projects. They take a long-term sustainability approach to construction projects and building
control system interfacing.
A long-term commitment to a healthy workplace is very demanding during this period,” says Trent. “To
now an embedded part of the BMM team’s culture. alleviate stress levels, we introduced a 20-minute
“BMM is privileged to be a part of the program,” foosball game break daily.”
says Trent Gourgaud, Director. “It has greatly
inspired each of us, reduced absenteeism and Usually a Friday activity, Foosball is helping
improved productivity.” to bump up team morale every day. In fact,
Trent says that their plan offers something for
they had to buy a new foosball table as
everyone, by drawing out the more reserved staff player skills had become so fierce!
members to feel more engaged in the group. And
while some people may be more drawn to the
physical activities, others may prefer to commit to the BMM also purchased an e-bike for communal use
six-monthly blood donation or multicultural Fridays. so staff could use it to attend nearby meetings
or site visits, to run errands, or simply take a few
“It has made us more health conscious,” says rounds around the area for a quick break.
Trent. “We have a strong dedication with a shared
enthusiasm – we have a common goal when we Photo competition winners!
undertake an event or initiative.” After winning the 2019 photo competition, the
Responding to change BMM team were able to invest in some new items.
Even before the onset of COVID-19, the BMM “The photo competition prize allowed us to
team had to postpone some planned activities due purchase equipment for common use and explore
to the difficult summer weather conditions. additional events and initiatives,” explains Trent.
Then, with COVID-19, BMM developed the BMM knows how valuable it is to commit to their
necessary precautions to support employees and health and wellbeing plan and make it part of the
workplaces, including reassuring staff about their ‘every day’ – something they have been doing for
jobs and adjusting their plans to ensure everyone more than five years.
was looking after themselves. “We are looking forward for more years of
“With our client-based approach to support the commitment, supporting our employees’ health
healthcare industry, BMM’s workload has become and wellbeing,” says Trent.
18PLATINUM
Early Childhood Australia – Building connection
across sites
76 staff
Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is the national peak body for early childhood acting in the interests
of young children, their families and those in the early childhood sector. ECA advocates to ensure
quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children aged birth
to eight years.
The ECA team is spread throughout Australia, with Working from home
offices in each state and territory. This can make The COVID-19 pandemic has provided another
fulfilling a health and wellbeing plan trickier, particularly opportunity to consider how to stay connected and
when attempting to run the same activities at all sites. motivated when physically distanced from
“We have a wide range of office arrangements one another.
including leased single offices, shared offices and “We have been sharing hints and tips for working
work from home situations,” explains Gregory Mowle, from home, as well as accessing webinars around
Finance and Operations General Manager. “This working remotely and being productive,” says
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
sometimes makes it a challenge to implement the Gregory. “We stay connected through video meetings
wellbeing action plan in a coherent way. and Slack, get video messages from the CEO, and
“We work hard to make sure that wellbeing activities we ask how teams are meeting the ‘work from home
are translatable into the different settings. For challenge’. We even have virtual morning teas!”
example, our head office had a water cooler installed ECA’s employee assistance program has been
and we made sure our staff in other offices had particularly well promoted with a utilisation rate of
access to filtered drinking water in their settings.” almost 9%.
Similarly, options like riding or walking to work, “This is a high rate compared to similar organisations
stand-up desks, Steptember participation, and online in the sector,” says Gregory. “And rather than this
mindfulness sessions are all able to translate across reflecting that our staff may have more issues, we
locations. And staff are keen to get involved. see it as our message to look after yourself has
been received. We also chose our EAP company
“We had 75% of staff participate in the for its ethical approach – their profits are returned to
Steptember challenge and the fruit bowls nominated charities.”
are really popular and appreciated.”
19Goodwin Aged Care – Wellness is the goal
540+ staff
Goodwin Aged Care is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that provides Canberra and
regional communities with experience-driven independent living villages, reliable in-home care, and
superior standard residential aged care facilities.
Work productivity is dependent on staff wellness, so It’s certainly not easy to engage such a large
Goodwin Aged Care has always concentrated on workforce – more than 500 people – who work
keeping their team healthy and engaged. different hours and in different locations. Yet
“Our wellbeing at work strategy guides all aspects Goodwin’s processes are now an embedded and
of wellness at Goodwin,” explains Turin Prasantha, successful element of everyday practice.
Manager People and Culture. “Our aim is to have a “Increased staff satisfaction, engagement and
team of the most talented and committed people. retention, as well as minimum workplace injuries
“Supporting and looking after their wellbeing is key to and accidents, are our biggest achievements,”
our continued ability to serve the health needs of our says Toral.
community and deliver exceptional and consistent Reliance on support
care into the future.”
“Healthier Work has always been a good mentor
A mix of activities for any organisation who is thriving for change,”
These goals are driven by regular and varying says Toral. “They supported us with constant
activities, ranging from Staff Appreciation Week to encouragement and by providing vital information
on-site yoga and meditation. Goodwin also offers on any new wellness initiatives through catch-ups
discounted fruit and vegetables for staff at the local and get-togethers.”
markets, and reimburses quit smoking products such
as nicotine patches.
“Receiving staff feedback or comment on an “The Goodwin Wellness Plan focuses on
activity is a great way to get the practical picture leveraging our positive workplace culture
of how it is progressing and if any further changes so that we support our people to thrive
or modifications are required to make it even and free them to do what they do best for
more successful,” says Toral Modi, Wellbeing and our residents and clients.”
Rehabilitation Advisor.
20PLATINUM
Not only has Healthier Work provided guidance “We have offered free counselling for all staff to
for the team’s wellness activities, Goodwin’s help with managing stress and anxiety,” says Toral.
management team actively encourage positive “For those who faced isolation, we organised
health – both at work and at home. debriefing sessions and regular phone catch-ups
“The Goodwin management team lead by to stay connected.”
example,” says Turin. “Considering the aged care For those who could work remotely, they were
industry work pressure, management has always given access to all applications and systems to
been positive and engaged with any new wellness ensure continuity of business operations.
initiative or project. “We also provided every possible support for those
It places value on the role our leaders play in who needed to take leave if they were sick or had
driving positive workplace culture, employee to care for a sick family member.”
engagement and outcomes for outstanding service
quality standards.
“It also highlights the need to change systems,
processes and structures to enable our people to
focus their efforts and to support their physical,
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
social and emotional wellbeing at work.”
Dealing with COVID-19
To manage the health and wellbeing of an identified
vulnerable group of people during a mass virus
outbreak, Goodwin Aged Care has put in place
their infection control policies and business
continuity plans.
Importantly, Goodwin has also remained
committed to the wellbeing of their staff during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
DID YOU KNOW?
Employees of businesses that actively promote staff health and wellbeing
are three times more likely to view their workplace as a highly desirable
place to work compared to those that do not.
21National Nursing Agency | National Healthcare Services |
National Community Care – Swap it or drop it
120 staff
The three companies – National Nursing Agency, National Healthcare Services and National
Community Care – provide carers and nurses to the Canberra community in hospitals and nursing
homes, along with community care within client homes.
As many workplaces in the Platinum category Flexible plans
attest, over time, being part of Healthier Work The team added safe alcohol consumption and
becomes embedded into their quit smoking packs to their plan, but found staff
organisational culture. weren’t particularly interested in these ideas. The
“With lots of activities, including yoga sessions three companies know there is no point pushing
and workshops on healthy eating for shift workers, an idea or initiative that doesn’t generate interest –
and regular communication with employees, it flexibility is essential to keeping people engaged in
has become part of our culture,” says Lisa Walker, the program.
Director, National Healthcare Services. “We just introduced a simple ‘Swap it or drop it’
Lisa says it’s important for management to explain 30-day challenge instead,” says Lisa.
why a healthy work environment is so critical to Other activities
everyone working there.
Other popular initiatives for National Nursing
Agency, National Healthcare Services and National
Community Care included a family-orientated
“Managers are leading through change, outdoor Christmas function with games, flu
so they need to explain why certain vaccinations, yoga sessions, and a focus on
changes will help us achieve our vision mental health days such as RUOK? Day.
of a healthy workplace.” “We fundraise and donate as a team to local
causes of meaning to our employees,” says Lisa.
“Plus, at every quarterly team meeting we do an
activity or give away such as skipping ropes and
frisbees,” says Lisa.
22PLATINUM
OPC IT – Lunchtime Uno competition
30 staff
OPC IT provides end-to-end IT and Drupal web services to corporate, government and education
clients. They are ISO certified in Quality and Information Security Systems Management.
An impressive plan of health and wellbeing Snap happy
activities keeps everyone at OPC IT connected As a short-listed entrant for the Healthier Work
and focused, with daily fresh fruit platters, photo competition, OPC IT worked hard to show
daily meditation and walking meetings. It is the all their activities – including games nights and
opportunity to be social together that sparks the supporting community initiatives like Camp Quality
most interest. – all in the one photo.
“We have an Uno tournament running and it “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the photo
provides a bit of levity and respite to the work comp this year,” says Cathy. “We had a lot of fun
day,” says Cathy Norton, General Manager. “Plus, planning and taking the photo and it was a great
our soup and morning tea groups are very well team builder. We were quite proud of all the activities
supported.” we do that we managed to cram into that shot!”
The team makes an effort to offer plenty of variety Dealing with COVID-19
throughout the year so everyone feels included.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Moving the entire OPC IT workforce to home-
“We have several team members who work based work during COVID-19 didn’t stop the team
onsite at client premises and miss out on a lot of from being focused on their wellbeing.
the activities such as daily fruit and meditation,”
explains Cathy. “We had the morning teas delivered “Being an IT company, we were not only able to
to them onsite to make them feel connected, and seamlessly get everyone up and running at home,
ran some of the activities out of business hours or but also the majority of our clients,” says Cathy.
during lunch to give them a chance to join.” “We speak to everyone via Microsoft Teams and
we share fun things like home office set-ups, pet
Having a healthy workplace is a significant focus pictures and good news stories.”
for the management team, who entrust the health
and wellbeing budget to the Social Club so all To ensure balance, the team runs twice-weekly trivia
activities are integrated across the seasons. (which an employee suggested and is expected
to continue when normal work resumes) and
“The management team is extremely engaged in share many resources through the EAP and online
the happiness and health of the team,” says Cathy. webinars to help the team cope with isolation.
“We’re planning after-hours virtual ‘catch ups’
“The more thought and effort you put and our postponed Taste of Harmony lunch will
in, the more successful the program is become a synchronised virtual event.”
and the greater the engagement.”
23Synergy Group – Rewarding supportive behaviours
300+ staff
Established in 1999 in Canberra, Synergy Group is more than your typical consultancy. From
accounting and assurance, through to transformation, program management, digital solutions or
business analytics, Synergy is ready to be involved irrespective of the size and scale.
An advocate for a healthy, happy and high performing “We encourage rest and recovery – so people
workplace, Synergy Group’s CEO Galia Cornish has can find their own tempo. We have an abundant
been a regular speaker at Healthier Work networking array of options to support physical health and we
events – providing inspiration and energy to many of schedule healthy activities into everyone’s workday
Canberra’s workplaces. to encourage the formation of healthy
Managing a large consultancy firm, Galia says having micro habits.”
a clear intent to be a healthier workplace is critical. It certainly helps that Galia is a yoga teacher
“We integrate healthier and happier work as core herself; regularly encouraging people to join her on
to everything we do – so if work isn’t healthy and the mat to re-centre.
fun, we are getting it wrong,” says Galia. “We know healthy and happy people are
This philosophy is inbuilt into their culture and the engaged,” says Galia. “We have seen more than
whole team is empowered to help find ways to 80% engagement and incredible productivity – but
make the workplace healthier. more importantly, there’s a vibe that is compelling
to be around.”
More than a plan
An optimistic outlook forms part of everything the
Supported by a monetary investment, Synergy’s Synergy team does.
health and wellbeing program is designed to cover
numerous people and place ideas to meet the “It’s important to reward supportive behaviours,”
needs of their large employee base. says Galia.
“We have a deliberate approach to improve the
“We empower everyone to have a
overall psychological wellbeing of individuals,
teams and the organisation,” explains Galia. go and enjoy the successes and
failures equally.”
24SNAPSHOTS
PLATINUM
ActewAGL Retail
Energy provider – 160 staff AIATSIS
• Retail Safety Ninjas Government – 178 staff
• RUOK? Day – shout your mate a • Heavy promotion of EAP
coffee day
• Annual Pedal Power ACT
• Trivia night to raise funds for ‘Cycle to work’ challenge
Care Financial
• Sit-stand desks
• Sun safety education
• Standing-only meeting room
• Interactive personal safety/security classes
• Stretches before meetings
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Barmco Mana McMurray
Engineering – 14 staff
• Blood donation every six months
Animal Health Australia
• Guided Segway tour around
Not-for-profit – 25 staff Lake Burley Griffin
• StairWell Challenge • Skateboarding/cycling
• Chair yoga/stretches to combat • Empowerment program which included
sedentary behaviour Workplace Tune Up, Wellbeing at
Work by OzHelp
• Gratitude board
• Fruit basket delivery
• Promote outdoor furniture use
• Walking and standing meetings
• Foosball matches every Friday
25Bradley Allen Love Lawyers Canberra Labor Club Group
Professionals – 75 staff Hospitality – 150 staff
• Salad club • Mental health awareness training
• Lunchtime yoga sessions • Reviewed staff menu to ensure healthier
options are available
• RUOK? Day
• Volunteer program
• Mocktail night
• Steptember
• Promoted ‘Stretching at your desk’
• Group personal training sessions
• Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge
CIT Centre for Health,
Capital Chemist Wanniassa
Community & Science
Health – 25 staff
Health – 200 staff
• Dry July
• Advocated for healthier choices at
• Walking meetings CITSA cafes
• Healthy meal planning • Implemented stretching app on
• Building knowledge about mental health staff computers
• Team building exercises • Online quiz about reducing
alcohol consumption
• Promote alcohol policy
26PLATINUM
Civium Delnas Metal Roofing
Professionals – 75 staff Construction – 26 staff
• Healthier options at staff barbecues • Movember
• Chess in break out area • Promoted importance of regular GP visits
• Health tips on intranet for men’s health
• Fruit bowls • Reminders about packing a healthy lunch
• Promoted Quitcoach app on intranet
Goodwin Aged Care Services
Early Childhood Australia
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Aged care/Community care – 540+ staff
Not-for-profit/Advocacy – 76 staff
• Multicultural Food Festival
• Move together for Cerebral Palsy
• On-site education on stretching
• Fruit bowl and warm up
• Mindfulness Interest Group provides • Dementia Memory Walk
monthly online lunchtime
• Canberra Times Fun Run
mindfulness sessions
• On-site yoga and meditation workshop
• Extended lunch break for wellbeing
activities such as book club, walking • Staff appreciation week
group, swimming • Reimbursement of nicotine replacement
• Regular inclusion of Health & Wellbeing therapies, such as patches
Tips in weekly newsletter • Discounted fruit and vegetables at
• Reconciliation Challenge Fyshwick Markets
• Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge
• EAP counselling services
27Greening Australia Lend Lease
Not-for-profit – 15 staff Construction / Real Estate – 55 staff
• Healthier lunch options for staff events • Charity golf day
• Sit–stand workstations available • Feb Fast
for everyone
• 10,000 steps Global Corporate Challenge
• Encouraged time off during quiet periods
• Dexa body scans and health challenge
• Promote high water intake, especially out
in field
National Archives of Australia
Moulis Legal
Cultural attraction – 380 staff
Professionals – 18 staff • Nutrition seminar – the nine steps to
• Weekly mindfulness hints and healthy eating
recommended activities • Yoga sessions for Women’s Health Week
• Seminar on good posture • Steptember
• Cooking class at Christmas party • Movember
• Provided non-alcoholic/light alcohol drinks • Annual flu vaccinations
at work functions
• Health checks
• Flexible working hours
• Staff recognition for exceptional efforts
• Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge • Support for Quit program
• Fruit Box deliveries
28PLATINUM
National Nursing Agency /
National Capital Private Hospital National Healthcare Services /
National Community Care
Health – 450+ staff
• Recipe Club (including e-book) Nursing – 120 staff
• Workshop about healthy living
• Stair Challenge – linked to step challenge
• Trade cakes and pastries for fruit platters,
• Circulate Beyond Blue online
sandwiches, and other healthy alternatives
learning modules
• Flu vaccinations
• Recognition for exceptional efforts
• Promote information about joining local
sporting clubs and opportunities to get
physically active
• ‘Swap it or Drop It’ 30-Day Challenge
• Fundraise and donate as a team to local
causes of meaning to our employees
• Family orientated Christmas party
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
Office of Parliamentary OPC IT
Counsel Information Technology – 30 staff
Legal – 110 staff • Daily meditation and fruit
• Healthy snack and drink options through • Regular company mingles and
social club carpark BBQs
• Promotion of EAP • Lunch and Learn sessions
• Flu vaccinations • Walking/stand up meetings
• Seated massages • Social/family activities – Family Fun Day,
Taste of Harmony lunch,
• Priori-Tea for Beyond Blue
Escape Room nights
• Lifeline talk on suicide prevention • Winter Soup Group, Spring Morning
• Superannuation talks Tea Group
• Mindful in May promoting meditation and • Dry July
other activities
29Shaw Surveys
PhysioSport O’Connor Professionals – four staff
Health – 50 staff • Refurbishment of office environment to
• RUOK? Day include stand up desks
• Displayed mental health • Kingston to Manuka morning coffee walk
awareness posters three times a week
• Lunch time walks up Black Mountain • Physical activity Christmas party (laser tag!)
• Provided healthier snacks for morning tea • RUOK? conversation convoy breakfast
Synergy Group
Professionals – 300+ staff
• Yoga DID YOU KNOW?
Sugary soft drinks have a lot of
• Wellbeing apps
empty kilojoules. Just one sugary
• Dry July drink a day can add more than 6kg
• Team sports to your weight over a year. Choose
tap water instead—it’s good for your
• Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge
health, your wallet and the planet!
30PLATINUM
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
DID YOU KNOW?
Creating a relaxing, well-equipped lunchroom, where staff can take
breaks and catch up informally with team members, can promote a
positive work culture.
31GOLD
WORKPLACES
32GOLD
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THESE WORKPLACES FOR
CONSISTENTLY IMPLEMENTING A
HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN
FOR THREE YEARS.
33Nexus Human Services – Monthly focus
30 staff
Nexus is a Disability Employment Services provider and assists people with a disability or mental
health condition to find a job and provide support to people who are working. A Work Assist
Program is offered to support people who are already working and needing additional support in the
workplace. NDIS services are also on offer.
The team at Nexus Human Services spend their Interstate and online work
days helping other people. So, investing in their The challenge for Nexus is how to keep interstate
own wellbeing is particularly valuable for their staff involved in the health and wellbeing activities,
productivity. and it continues to be an area they need to find
Through simple challenges – like drinking more water creative solutions for.
or taking more steps – the team stays focused. “Involving our interstate sites is certainly the primary
“Having a focus area each month keeps staff more challenge,” says Lisa.
engaged,” says CEO Lisa McPherson. “And having Though many of their activities can work across
a plan for the year really keeps us on track.” sites – such as Stretch and Breathe Month and
A straightforward activity each month means Multicultural Day – they continue to explore other
everyone gets the chance to be involved. ways to connect.
During COVID-19, staff started working at home in
“Juicing June was a hit, where staff an online environment, and this generated a new
enjoyed making fresh juice in the office.” perspective on how to engage.
“When we all started working from home it offered
Maintaining momentum a fantastic opportunity to review our processes and
Lisa, as CEO, is a primary driver of the program, we have had many new ideas for our health and
which tends to help with the momentum for wellbeing plan, including how best to involve our
planning and engagement. interstate sites.”
“We are lucky that the management team are the This includes starting a team app with links to
ones so heavily involved in Healthier Work – they exercises that can be done throughout the day. Staff
take the lead,” says Lisa. can also add photos and have a more informal chat.
Though, Lisa notes, it is useful to spread “We have started a 14-day challenge and each day
the responsibility. at 12.30pm staff can log into Zoom and complete
“If you have staff who are harder to engage, give the challenge for the day,” says Lisa. “This might be
them responsibility for an activity,” Lisa says. stretches or 10 push-ups. We have three leaders
who take us through the challenge each day.”
34GOLD
Radford College – Responding to change
280 staff
Radford College is a thriving independent school dedicated to educating and supporting students
from early learning to year 12 to become compassionate, adaptable, global citizens.
For schools like Radford College, 2020 has “Staff have been given support and training to be able
dramatically shifted the way education is delivered. to move to teaching through an online platform, as
“Heading into term one the smoke was still lingering,” well as equipment to be able to work from home.”
explains Sophie Davis, the school’s nurse. “Many staff A modified plan
and students returned feeling stressed and anxious. Before COVID-19, staff at Radford College actively
“We were able to move activities inside and did took part in Pilates, boot camps, Heart Health checks
regular air quality monitoring with monitors that we and their social club.
purchased for the school, plus we were able to keep “We still had our scheduled flu vaccination clinic in
staff up-to-date with real time air quality through email May, but we have had to cancel our usual social club,
updates.” boot camps and Pilates activities for the time being,”
This helped address staff worries and keep people says Sophie.
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
safe. Then COVID-19 arrived soon after.
Virus responses “We continue to do ‘Pat on the back’
While Radford College has been committed to their awards and ‘Friday funnies’ via email and
health and wellbeing goals for many years, the impact team meetings.”
of the coronavirus tested their usual practices – with
immediate effect.
The staff are finding creative ways to keep in touch
“We had staff and students who had been in China and manage their wellbeing during an uncertain time.
during the initial outbreak and they were required to
self-isolate at home for two weeks from their arrival “We’re looking at organising a Mental Health First Aid
back into Australia,” says Sophie. training session online,” says Sophie. “We will take up
the Steptember challenge again this year – hopefully
The school immediately implemented better hand we won’t still be isolating, but if we are, it will make
sanitisation and more support for staff. the challenge results a bit more interesting!”
“High-risk staff were given the opportunity to work
from home prior to government shut-downs,” says
Sophie. “Towards the end of term one, we had about
45 students on campus and a very skeleton staff.
35TSA Management ACT – Best4Life
30 staff
TSA is a project management company that manages, consults and partners to bring projects to
life. TSA’s business success has been always based on the quality and happiness of its staff. TSA
fosters a culture of forward thinking, agility, dedication, teamwork and collaboration where all staff
are valued and the mental and physical wellness is the cornerstone to success.
TSA Management ACT (formerly Xact Project “Scheduling a time for activities where the whole
Consultants) implemented a ‘Best4Life’ Program team can participate can be challenging,” says
companywide to enhance their commitment to Paul. “Recently, we came up with a strategy to
health and wellbeing. get everyone involved with the planning of the
“The program embraces four key pillars: Healthy events. As we all work in small teams, each team
Living, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy was tasked with organising at least one event per
Connections,” says Associate Director calendar year, which has improved engagement.
Paul Middleton. “We use these pillars to identify “TSA Management now has a Best4Life team that
and launch various events and initiatives to collectively manages similar strategies throughout all
promote wellbeing for all our staff.” offices,” says Paul.
Under ‘Healthy Living’, the team aims to create It all makes a difference
a balance between work and life commitments TSA Management celebrated their Gold Status with
including personal and career development, Healthier Work in 2019 and their approach is now
finances and family. For ‘Healthy Body’, it’s about well and truly embedded in the company’s culture,
raising awareness and knowledge of food and even with new starters coming on board.
nutrition and encouraging staff to take action to
improve their health and fitness. “A healthy workplace should consider more than
the body and mind and the office environment,”
“For ‘Healthy Mind’, we focus on building resilience explains Paul.
and positive mental health, while ‘Healthy
Connections’ is about the opportunity to create
positive connections with our people and the “Considering employee lifestyles,
communities in which we live, work, and play,”
connections and external forces outside
says Paul.
work definitely helps with staff wellbeing,
Bringing the team together focus and drive at work.”
With staff located in multiple offices and busily
addressing the needs of their clients, Paul says the
challenge is getting everyone together.
36SNAPSHOTS
GOLD
Griffin Legal
Heart Foundation ACT
Professionals – 20 staff
Not-for-profit – 12 staff
• Healthy catering guidelines
• Lunchtime walks
• Implemented mental health action plan
• Stretching tips
• Encouraged staff activities like
lunchtime basketball • ‘In Recognition Program’ – thank and
recognise staff
• Stress resilience sessions
• Fresh fruit box
• Lunch time walking group
• Mentally Healthier Workplaces Pledge
HELPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESS THRIVE CASE STUDIES 2019–20
National Accreditation Netier
Authority for Translators and IT – 24 staff
Interpreters (NAATI) • ‘How to manage stress at work and
mindfulness thinking’ workshops
Not-for-profit – 23 staff
• ‘How to maintain a healthy
• Extended fruit bowls to State offices diet at work’ seminar
• Seminars on managing stress and change • Promoted our free gym memberships
• Health ‘tune-ups’ for staff • Encouraged staff to take breaks and have
• Display posters with health messages a chill-out space with books, TED talks
and magazines for inspiration
37You can also read
