Workplaces focus on wellness with new program

Published Wednesday, 07 August, 2013 at 11:09 AM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Queensland workers will now find it easier to be healthy at work - and it doesn't involve replacing office chairs with a treadmill or tools with dumbbells!

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg launched the Newman Government’s Workplace for Wellness Program today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.

“This program aims to empower, inspire and guide Queensland employers to support their workers to live healthier and longer lives,” Mr Springborg said.

“The Workplaces for Wellness Program offers Queensland businesses access to a new website that provides more than 40 additional resources, such as templates, tools, ideas and tips to help develop and manage a sustainable workplace wellness program.

“The focus of the program is to address the high rates of chronic disease in our state and support more than two million Queensland adults where they spend most of their time – at work.”

Mr Springborg said overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption take a toll on more than just individuals.

“More than 24,000 Queenslanders die from a chronic disease annually, 91 per cent of all deaths in our state,” he said.

“The good news is that a healthy workplace can help reduce an individual’s chances of developing many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes by supporting workers to be active, reduce stress, quit smoking and eat healthy.

“There are plenty of Queensland employers who already provide support for their employees, by providing showers, lockers, filtered water and flexible work hours while others encourage walking meetings – meetings on the go.

“Most workplaces will find they already do things that make healthy choices easier - it’s the little things that add up.

“I urge all employers to make health part of their business strategy and become workplace role models for their employees, their customers and competitors.”

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Chief Executive Officer Stephen Tait said the Workplaces for Wellness program was a great initiative and something they were encouraging all of their members to take part in.

“As a business owner, it is important to promote a healthy workplace and give your employees some encouragement to lead healthy lifestyles at home and at work,” Mr Tait said.

“Above all, a business with healthy employees subsequently benefits from the retention of staff, limits the number of days of sick leave taken and enhances staff productivity.

“We are proud to be supporters of the Workplaces for Wellness program and encourage businesses of all sizes and industries to get on board and make it part of their strategy.”

The Workplaces for Wellness Program recognises workplaces for their efforts in demonstrating a commitment to the health of their employees with a gold, silver or bronze symbol.

Mr Springborg said awarding workplaces gives organisations the recognition they deserved, which may help to attract and retain staff.

“Workplaces for Wellness is an opportunity for all working Queenslanders to look for ways to make their workplace healthier and encourage their own employers to participate in a workplace wellness program,” he said.

All Queensland workplaces are encouraged to visit www.workplacesforwellness.qld.gov.au to implement their workplace wellness program.

The Workplaces for Wellness Program is a Queensland Government commitment under the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health.

[ENDS] 7 August 2013 

Media contact: Cameron Thompson 0407-585230