A comprehensive workplace health and wellbeing program at the Shire of Northam in Western Australia has led to a reduction in staff turnover and dramatically improved morale.
The Shire was recently awarded Gold recognition by Healthier Workplace WA for its efforts.
Shire of Northam Chief Executive Officer Jason Whiteaker said there has been positive change in workplace culture and the new workplace health and wellbeing program has been part of that change.
“The program has assisted in creating a positive workplace culture. We value our employees and view the health of our staff as a key element of our organisation’s success.
“Absenteeism, workers’ compensation and general productivity are the potential beneficiaries of our wellness program.”
Shire of Northam’s Human Resource Practitioner Bev Jones said the culture was previously extremely poor and that change was needed.
“Being recognised shows how far we have come. It acknowledges the efforts of staff and management to become healthier, to change their lifestyle and improve workplace culture.”
Since embarking on the journey in 2013 staff turnover has reduced from 37 percent to 15 percent and absenteeism has improved dramatically.
The Shire continues to improve standards and encourage staff to provide feedback on all aspects of the health and wellbeing program.
A renewed focus, leading through change and ongoing management support has led to positive outcomes on the Shire’s workplace culture.
The health and wellbeing program has kept staff focused on what the road ahead looks like and how far they have come as an organisation.
Healthier Workplace WA Program Manager Natalie Quinn said, “Workers who make healthy choices are less at risk of developing lifestyle risk factors which contribute to chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
They are also more likely to enjoy life – at work and at home.
Some of the health and wellbeing program initiatives at the Shire have included: creating a smoke-free workplace, which is supported by smoking cessation resources; guidelines which outline how to limit and manage alcohol consumption at work events and social functions; a healthy catering policy; flexible working hours; showers, changing rooms and bike racks to encourage workers to be physically active before, during and after work; 50 percent discounts for employees to access the Shire’s swimming pool and recreation centre; and Lunch ‘n’ Learn sessions on a range of health topics.
The health and wellbeing program sits with other important components for continuous workplace culture improvement including safety, career development, cultural diversity, equal opportunities and the celebration of achievements.
Healthier Workplace WA has helped more than 2000 small, medium and large workplaces across WA, in a broad range of industries including local government, mining, manufacturing, trades, retail, education and training, transport, and finance.
“The team at Healthier Workplace WA are very helpful and knowledgeable and always respond to questions quickly and positively,” said Ms Jones. “As someone who has seen the recent changes I can confidently say that the Shire of Northam is a great
place to work.”
