Workplace wellness programs

Over ten million Australians spend an average of eight hours per day in the workplace. Effective workplace health programs have been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of employees and facilitate organisational changes, such as reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

Workplace health programs can cover a broad range of health areas including nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and/or stress management to improve the health and well being of all staff.

The Heart Foundation have a range of resources to assist any sized workplace develop a workplace wellness program.

Healthy Workplace Guide - Ten steps to implementing a workplace health program
To assist businesses to improve the health of their employees, the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council NSW and the Physical Activity, Nutrition & Obesity Research Group (PANORG) from the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, have collaborated to develop a practical, evidence based ten step guide. This guide provides easy to follow steps on creating a workplace that supports employees in leading healthy lifestyles, including how to get started, construct and implement a workplace health program. Download your copy here.

Healthy Workplace Activities: At a glance
This information resource provides practical suggestions for activities that can be easily implemented within your workplace.  Download your copy here.

A Staff Wellness Program Case Study – the NSW Heart Foundation
In 2009 the NSW office of the Heart Foundation implemented a Wellness Program. Activities were developed around a theme of ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ and ranged from meditation classes, lunch time seminars and volunteering opportunities to team building activity sessions. Find out more.

Healthy Catering Guidelines for Staff
Serving healthier food in the workplace is an important part of promoting health and wellbeing among your staff. See our guidelines for tips and ideas.

Get your staff moving
It only takes small changes to reduce the amount of time we sit each day. Moving more is also a great way to improve heart health. See our ideas on how you can encourage your staff to reduce their time sitting.

Heart Foundation Walking
This is Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking programs. Your staff can join an existing Walking group or start their own.

Heartmoves
If some of your staff prefer a gentle physical activity program, Heartmoves is the answer. It has been designed for people with lifestyle risk factors or with stable, long term health conditions. A gentle introduction to exercise may be just the ticket to get your staff moving. Find your nearest Heartmoves program.