An Organizational Health Strategy for British Columbia Institute of Technology Presented by: The Human Resources Department in partnership with The Research and Health Consulting Group Shepell fgi 130 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON www.shepellfgi.com 1 P a g e
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Table of Contents Introduction Vision, Mission, Values Goals and Objectives Program Plan 2009-2011 3 P a g e
Introduction: The Healthy BCIT Initiative The HEALTHY BCIT initiative aims to promote the health and well being of all employees within the Institute, and to create and sustain the healthiest workplace possible. BCIT believes that an investment in the health and well being of our employees is integral to the success and prosperity of the Institute. This initiative was based on the following main premises: It is congruent with the long term direction of the Institute. It intersects with the other Institute strategies and initiatives including BCIT s 5ive Forward 1.0, wellbeing, safety, growth, job satisfaction and celebration. It is a long term strategy for the Institute that is based on a broad definition of health, includes a focus on individual and organization health determinants, has clearly outlined goals and objectives and success indicators. It is visibly and widely supported by BCIT leadership and employee representatives. It will consist of evidenced based programs and services which are routinely evaluated and continuously improved. To systematically develop the workplace health strategy, BCIT partnered with Shepellfgi, our current EAP provider, to take our existing Wellness Program offerings to a new and improved level. Over several months beginning in the fall of 2008, cross sections of employees were invited to participate in the development of a 3-year Strategic Health and Wellness Plan for our organization. This process consisted of three main stages, namely: Step 1: Employee Health Needs Assessment Analyzed our health claims data to better understand our existing health and wellness needs Step 2: Health and Wellness Best Practices Audit Conducted a thorough analysis of our existing organizational health programs and services, highlighting current program strengths Clearly identified opportunities for alignment and/or improvement Outlined all of the components necessary to create and sustain the highest quality, best practice health and wellness program Step 3: Health and Wellness Strategic Planning Retreat Formally crafted our program vision, goals and objectives Identified priority areas for action Determined our indicators of success Created the implementation and evaluation plans 4 P a g e
This document, prepared by the Human Resources Department, in consultation with the Research and Health Consulting Division at Shepellfgi, outlines the following components of the HEALTHY BCIT Strategy: Vision, Mission and Values Goals and Objectives Framework Program Plan 2009-2011 5 P a g e
Vision, Mission and Values Vision BCIT is a community working together to build and maintain organizational wellness within our workplace community by providing opportunities and support for all employees. Mission Our mission is to have BCIT and its employees work together to identify and address leading health and well being issues at all levels, and to offer innovative policies, practices and programs to best meet those needs. We will do this by: regularly assessing employee and organizational health and well being offering a variety of comprehensive, high quality programs and services, and regularly evaluating our efforts, to continuously improve our programs and services Values Health is more than the absence of disease. It is a positive concept encompassing optimal physical, emotional, intellectual, social, occupational and spiritual factors. Employees fully participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the program. Programs and services are evidenced based. Workplace issues are considered as important determinants of employee health and well being. Our employees value their own wellbeing and take responsibility for maintaining optimal health. 6 P a g e
Goals and Objectives Goal #1: To optimize the physical and mental health and well being of BCIT employees. Objectives To increase overall awareness of physical and mental health risk factors and the preventability of chronic conditions. To identify, educate and refer for appropriate supports those individuals living with physical and mental health problems, and those at high risk for developing health problems. To reduce the incidence of modifiable physical and mental health risk factors. Goal #2: To create and sustain a healthy, supportive and productive work environment. Objectives To systematically work to create and sustain a healthy physical work environment characterized by : o Well trained and oriented employees to the key elements of a safe and healthy work environment o Ergonomically correct workspaces o Effective and representative employee participation in OHS activities and committees o Progressive occupational health and safety programs To create and sustain a healthy workplace culture characterized by: o o o Well trained and supported people leaders Respectful and trusting working relationships, and Supportive leadership/supervision 7 P a g e
Framework In building a model that can help guide our actions to improve health, three questions are critical. "WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES?" (the ISSUES) "On WHAT should we take action?" (the DETERMINANTS of the health issues) "HOW should we take action?" (the STRATEGIES to address the issues) The priority areas for action were selected based on the findings of the comprehensive needs assessment. The needs assessment consisted of an integrated data analysis of three years of health claims data, including drug claims, short term disability and long term disability. These findings indicate that the following health issues or conditions are currently the most pressing at BCIT. Mental Health Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Health) Injury Prevention Diabetes Prevention and Management Cancer Prevention PRIORITIES: The Framework considers the main components of employee health and well being as well, including: Health Knowledge and Beliefs the degree to which employees are knowledgeable about and interested in improving their own health and well being Personal Health Practices the behaviours that employees engage in that are health promoting, such as healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, healthy weights, etc. Personal Coping Strategies coping skills that enable people to be self-reliant and make choices that enhance their wellbeing Physical Work Environment the characteristics of the physical work environment that are health promoting, such as ergonomic work stations, availability of fitness facilities, healthy food options, etc. Healthy Workplace Culture characterized by a high level of communication, high quality leadership and supervision, and effective employee participation in decision making STRATEGY AND ACTION: Health Information and Education to increase health awareness and knowledge Skill Development and Behaviour Change to promote and support sustained healthy behaviours Health Assessment, Screening and Referral to prevent or delay the onset of chronic illness 8 P a g e
Supportive Work Environment to eliminate, reduce or mitigate the impact of physical and psychosocial risk factors in the workplace Fun Workplace to increase the liveliness and participation in campus social events The HEALTHY BCIT Framework and core strategic directions, which are the combination of all of these factors, are represented in Figure A. The Framework provides a conceptual matrix within which to plan and implement workplace health programs and services. Figure A: HEALTHY BCIT Framework Priority Areas for Action Mental Health Heart Health Injury Prevention Cancer Prevention Diabetes Prevention and Management Determinants of Health Health Knowledge/Beliefs Personal Coping Strategies Personal Health Practices Physical Work Environment Healthy Workplace Culture Positive Social Environment Health Promotion Strategies Information/Education Skill Development and Behaviour Change Health Assessment, Screening and Referral Supportive Work Environment Fun Workplace 9 P a g e
Healthy BCIT Plan 2009-2011 In order to address the leading health issues and underlying risk factors, The Healthy BCIT initiative will offer a comprehensive menu of programs and services on a quarterly basis, organized around a common theme. Spring/Summer 2009 Theme: Introducing Healthy BCIT Appoint and meet with stakeholders Review and finalize the Workplace Health Strategy with the stakeholders Present to leadership team Launch letter from President Recruitment of Healthy BCIT Advisory Committee, first meeting Posting of Vision, Mission, and Goals on NOTES Information Sessions on Program Strategy and Plan for employees Campus involvement through email, suggestion boxes etc. to expand health and wellbeing offerings Fall 2009 Theme: Know Your Numbers Know Your Numbers Promotional Campaign During Healthy Workplace Month launch the Know your Numbers sessions through this biannual event Flyers/posters at all worksites Posting on NOTES Newsletter overview of screening guidelines, recommended ranges for BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar plus promotion of screening clinics Know your Numbers Information Sessions or e-learning modules Overview of screening guidelines, healthy ranges for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, etc. Know Your Numbers Clinics Onsite Health Screening and Education Clinics Know your Numbers Contest Employees submit tracking cards indicating that they are up to date on their recommended screenings and enter to win a prize Healthy Workplace Month Activities (National 2009 theme is Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work. Feeling Great About Life! Variety of sessions and events scheduled during the month of October 10 P a g e
Winter 2010 January to March Theme: Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter awareness, risk factors, signs and symptoms, self assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events Mental Health First Aid Wellness Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: risk factors, awareness/signs and symptoms, resources Stress Management Course Group training session, or self directed modules Health Challenge Mental Health First Aid - # of registrants Mental Health First Aid for People Leaders Workshops or e-learning sessions for people leaders Mentally Preparing for Retirement Workshops on planning and preparing for life after BCIT. Spring /Spring 2010 April to September Theme: Your Heart Health Matters Your Heart Health Matters Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter risk factors, signs and symptoms, risk assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events Healthy eating tips, recipes, etc. Your Heart Health Matters Wellness Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: risk factors, signs and symptoms, resources Healthy Heart Course For people living with cardiovascular disease, or at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease Heart and Stroke Foundation Focus on heart healthy eating, physical activity promotion, stress management, medication management, etc. Health Challenge Your Heart Health Matters department challenges Active @ work 11 P a g e
Spring/Summer 2010 April to September Theme: Your Safety Matters (injury prevention) Your Safety Matters Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter risk factors, leading injuries in the summer, ergonomics, healthy backs, self assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events NAOSH Week Your Safety Matters Wellness Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: risk factors, awareness, leading household injuries, ergonomics, audiometric, resources Healthy Back Sessions Physiotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, ergonomics, fitness, core strength building, etc. Fall 2010 October to December Theme: Are you at Risk?: Diabetes Prevention and Management Are you at Risk?: Diabetes Prevention and Management Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter risk factors, signs and symptoms, risk assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events Healthy eating tips Are you at Risk: Diabetes Prevention and Management Wellness Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: risk factors, signs and symptoms, self assessment, resources Diabetes Prevention Course (group or self directed) For people living with Diabetes, or at high risk for Diabetes (prediabetes) Focus on healthy eating, physical activity promotion, stress management, medication management, etc. Health Challenge Are you at Risk? Diabetes testing 12 P a g e
Winter 2011 January to March Theme: Losing Weight the Healthy Way Losing Weight the Healthy Way Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter healthy eating guidelines, self assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events Losing Weight the Healthy Way Information Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: healthy eating guidelines, tips, nutrition, resources Losing Weight the Healthy Way Course Group coaching/support program or self directed Health Challenge Losing Weight the Healthy Way Challenge departments to lose weight the healthy way, with incentives, competitions and celebrations of weight loss. The biggest loser by percentage. Spring/Summer 2011 April to September Theme: Cancer Screening and Prevention Cancer Screening and Prevention Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter screening guidelines, risk factors, signs and symptoms, self assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming events Cancer Screening and Prevention Information Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: screening guidelines, risk factors, signs and symptoms, resources Session targeted to male population on prostate cancer Top Speaker or Neurologist Promotion and participation on- campus offered screening clinics, e.g. mammography. Personal Challenge Cancer Screening Challenge Promote the value of regular annual checkups 13 P a g e
Spring/Summer 2011 April to September Theme: Active for Life Active for Life Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter physical activity guidelines, self assessment, direction to workplace and community resources, promotion of upcoming community events Active for Life Information Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns or e-learning sessions offered to all employees re: physical activity guidelines, tips, resources Active for Life Program Group/individual program through recreation services designed to motivate nonactive adults to begin and sustain a physical activity program designed for them Health Challenge Active for Life Challenge non active employees to begin and maintain a fitness program through recreation services. Fall 2011 October to December Theme: Reduce Your Risk (lifestyle risk factors) Know Your Risks Campaign Flyers/posters Posting on NOTES Newsletter risk factors for leading chronic health illnesses, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, focusing on modifiable risk factors and solutions Reduce your Risk Wellness/elearning Sessions 1 hr lunch and learns offered to all employees re: risk factors, healthy eating guidelines, physical activity guidelines, healthy weights guidelines, resources Health Coaching Behaviour Change Program Individual or group health coaching sessions offered health assessment, goal setting, coaching sessions, etc. Healthy Workplace Month Activities (follow the national theme posted in the Spring each year) Focusing on modifiable risk factors healthy eating, physical activity, healthy weights, stress management Health Challenge Reduce Your Risk Challenge employees to make one significant lifestyle change in one of the key risk areas 14 P a g e
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