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Healthy Workplace Initiatives

There is increasing evidence that absenteeism, productivity and morale are intricately linked to the health of employees. Research concludes that every year mental health problems alone cost Canada’s employers billions of dollars in lost productivity. As well, employers who offer programs to support employee's mental health report substantial positive results for individual employees and for the workplace. We also know that in addition to employee lifestyle issues, mental health and the work place culture itself are equally important as a factor impacting employee health and well-being.

Stakeholder consultations have consistently recommended that our public service, as an employer, focus on preventative approachs to employee psychological health. Healthy workplace initiatives have grown out of the provincial government’s Employee Assistance Program is housed at the Public Service Commission.

Objectives of Healthy Workplace Initiatives:

1. To implement effective preventative programs and services which support individuals in achieving and maintaining psychological wellness and productivity.
2. To develop, promote and implement policies and practices which promote a psychologically safe workplace.

Where We Are:

The growth of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the emergence of the Respectful Workplace Program, (RWP) reflect efforts to promote employee psychological health and productivity in our public service. The EAP supports healthy workplaces, through counseling and educational efforts such as stress management, managing change, and other wellness promotion strategies. The Respectful Workplace Program promotes respectful, healthy , productive work environments and provides positive mechanisms to manage conflict constructively.

Psychological health is a key part of any healthy workplace. A newsletter, Working Well.....in Newfoundland and Labrador, is prepared monthly to provide information on many aspects of workplace and individual well-being. To link to what is happening in wellness around the Province see Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador.

Healthy Workplace Month takes place in October to coincide with National Healthy Workplace Activities. Employees across the province can organize and participate in opportunities to promote health and wellness. Information and helpful resources on National Healthy Workplace Week can found on their website.

Working Well...In Newfoundland & Labrador Newsletter

Background This newsletter is designed to promote wellness in the workplace by providing information and resources on psychological wellness and strategies to cope with work life stress and change, etc.

We hope these newsletters will provide capacity for employees to consider their own mental health and well-being both at, and away from the workplace.

• Working Well...In Newfoundland & Labrador Newsletter

Please direct any questions or concerns to WorkingWell@gov.nl.ca.