Workplace wellness is viewed as a holistic concept that touches on many aspects of an organization and how it is managed. Successful workplace health and well-being programs are supported by senior management and form an integral part of the organization's strategy.

Comprehensive workplace wellness plans typically comprise a range of programs and activities related to three key elements:

• Physical Environment
• Health Practices
• Social Environment & Personal Resources

A growing body of research indicates that a focus on workplace health and wellness initiatives have positive implications for both companies and employees. Studies have found that health benefits and economic benefits can result through the implementation of workplace wellness policies and programs in organizations.

Chief executive officers, human resource managers, occupational health and safety personnel, and others in private and public sector organizations are actively supporting program and resources to assist employees to deal with the many stresses of life and enhance their productivity and effectiveness.

The future success of organizations is dependent on having well-qualified, motivated and healthy employees. As Canadian employers continue to create competitive enterprises in a global marketplace and struggle to do more with less, workers will likely experience higher levels of stress exacerbated by other external factors such as elder care and dual career families, driving health-related costs higher.

With the evidence of the positive effects of comprehensive workplace wellness policies and programs mounting, such as reduced medical costs, sick leave absenteeism, employee turnover and lower job accident rates, companies can ill afford not to get involved.

Do you want to find out more about:

• Elements of a healthy workplace?
• Retention and recruitment of employees?
• Supports for employees to work productively and effectively?
• Innovative workplace wellness programs?
• Cost / benefit analysis of workplace wellness programs in the workplace?
• Factors that influence the successful delivery of wellness programs?
• Resources to support wellness initiatives in the workplace?
• Initiatives other people have implemented in the their workplace?

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