Healthy Workplaces

Why are healthy workplaces important?

Healthy employees are absent less often, have higher morale, and are more productive, resulting in a better bottom line for the business and a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Residents of Ottawa expect to be able to access healthy lifestyle resources and services at work and have the right to healthy work environments.
Unhealthy workplaces are costing Canadian organizations billions of dollars every year. The cost of employee absence alone is about $8.6 billion.

What is "Healthy Ottawa @ Work"?

Healthy Ottawa @ Work is a program of Ottawa Public Health.
OUR VISION is to have healthy employees, working in healthy, safe and productive workplaces in Ottawa.

What do we offer?
What topics are addressed?
How can you access Healthy Ottawa @ Work?

What do we offer?

Professional services by Public Health Nurses
Health information and resources
Training workshops for workplace professionals
Presentations on lifestyle issues
Business health telephone line (613-580-6744, ext. 24197) and e-mail address for consultation and information
Displays and audio-video lending library
Electronic bulletins and website
Health Canada Calendar of Health Promotion Days
Healthy Workplace Policy Manual
On-site consultations on developing comprehensive workplace health promotion programs and policies

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What topics are addressed?


	Balancing work and home Work life conflict occurs when people have trouble balancing their home commitments with their work responsibilities. This may result in absenteeism, more unproductive time at work and staff turnover. The result is costly to organisations as well as individuals.
	Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace Checklist Business Continuity Planning or emergency preparedness planning sets out a process by which emergency situations are managed, so as to minimize the impact on the business. A business continuity plan is a smart investment that no organization can afford to be without.
	Healthy workplace environments A healthy workplace is one where people are happy, healthy, safe and want to come to work. A healthy workplace environment provides three basic elements: a focus on lifestyle practices, a safe and well-designed physical environment and a positive organizational culture that supports employee well-being
	Physical activity in the workplace There are many benefits for promoting physical activity in the workplace: improved employee health and fitness, decreased sick leave, reduced injuries, increased productivity and morale, and improved job satisfaction. Ottawa Public Health offers physical activity programs, downloadable fact sheets and other related information.
	Scented Products in the Workplace Exposure to scented products can affect people in the workplace. Scented products can include perfume, make-up, shampoo, and deodorant; or products such as air fresheners, and cleaners. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many of their usual activities to avoid exposure.
	Shiftwork Shift work can affect sleep, injury rates, alcohol and drug use and eating habits. There are things workers can do to cope.
	Smoking cessation Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in Ottawa. Healthy Ottawa @ Work offers Smoking Cessation: The Stages of Change Approach, a workshop to help support employees who would like to quit smoking, and those who are at risk of relapse.
	Stress Stress is the way we react physically and emotionally to change. Stress can result when people have too much to do in too little time, and have no control over their situation. Statistics Canada estimates that stress-related disorders due to over-work, cost Canadian businesses $12 billion per year. A display and fact sheets on managing stress are available.
Other topics of interest Alcohol, drugs and tobacco Breast Feeding Families in the Workplace Caregiver support Eat Smart! Healthy Restaurant and Cafeteria Program Nutrition Occupational Health and Safety Pregnancy in the workplace Sun safety TravelWise