Seven benchmarks for a successful Workplace Health Programme

1. Senior management support Senior management support is vital to the success of your workplace health programme. Their active and visible participation is key. 2. Representative team The programme should be by the staff for the staff to ensure buy-in and participation. A representative group should include team members from all areas of your workplace: from management to the shop floor. 3. Staff survey Ideas from the staff are important so be creative: use focus groups, brainstorming sessions, team meetings or a one on one approach. 4. Programme plan Develop a plan that suits your workplace. Use the information you have received from the staff to plan the most popular initiatives first. Report and feedback to the management team for support. 5. Appropriate interventions Do what is achievable in the context of your workplace (shifts, available facilities) and budget. Include initiatives that meet the needs of the ethnic make up of the workplace, the different age groups, learning styles and activity capabilities. 6. Supportive environment The environment may need to be modified to support the changes and health awareness you are creating. Changes should be in consultation with staff, as changes initiated by management without consultation are often not well received. 7. Evaluate outcomes Before you start, you should identify what outcomes your team want to accomplish. This stage is often given little attention but it is important for the long term sustainability of the programme. www.welcoa.org