Q. What is Heartbeat Challenge?
A. Heartbeat Challenge (HBC) is a workplace health and wellbeing programme which focuses on strengthening the environment that supports and improves health for all employees. It is available Auckland-wide and is delivered by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). HBC is funded by the Ministry of Health.
Q. Why is the workplace a key priority?
A. Health issues such as obesity, diabetes, gout, physical inactivity, stress and smoking are prevalent in the workplace. With the introduction of Heartbeat Challenge there is a significant opportunity to improve employee health and productivity along with reduction of absenteeism.
Q. Who should participate?
A. Heartbeat Challenge is targeted at manufacturing/ factory settings as well as community ‘opinion leaders’ such as District Health Boards. It is particularly appropriate for workplaces with large numbers of Maori and Pacific Island workers who are over-represented in the health statistics.
Q. What issues does the programme address?
A. The programme focuses on the following areas: healthy eating, physical activity and smoking cessation/ stress reduction/worklife balance.
Q. How do we get an Award?
A. Your company will be supported by ARPHS to achieve at least 5 changes in each of the main target health areas. There is no time limit to achieve the award which is renewable every 2 years. Some examples of initiatives towards an award are given below.
Q. What does ARPHS offer?
A. The team is headed by a Project Manager and includes Dietitians, Nutritionists and Workplace Health Promoters (WHP). The Dietitian support ranges from assisting to make improvements in cafeterias to facilitating nutrition workshops. The WHPs have extensive knowledge of workplace health related programmes and resources as well as strong relationships with community providers.
Q. What do we do?
A. A workplace health promoter supports and advises your company through each stage to set up a sustainable workplace health programme. This includes the formation of a representative group, undertaking a staff survey and planning initiatives.
Q. How many companies are involved?
A. There are currently 89 companies in the greater Auckland region actively involved in the programme either working towards an award or a renewal.
Q. How do we implement Heartbeat Challenge?
A. First and most importantly you need management support which includes building the programme into a business plan and regular reporting. A key programme driver from within your organisation with adequate personnel hours is important. Involving staff and other interested parties such as Unions and Health and Safety is good practice. Good communication channels facilitate programme awareness and success.
Q. What are some examples of initiatives towards an Award?
A. Healthy Eating: Healthy options in the cafeteria, nutrition workshops, meeting and function catering guidelines, vending machine improvements
Physical Activity: exercise classes, gym deals with local provider, walking groups, sports teams, pedometers, ‘FeetBeat’ team walking event
Smoking Cessation: Smoking cessation support
Stress: ‘Working Well’ stress and mental health sessions, workload audit, Work/Life Balance initiatives
Q. How much does it cost?
A. There is no cost for our services or for the framed Heartbeat Challenge Award. Provided the company has a key driver with plenty of energy and support, the programme does not require a large budget.
Contact:
Judy Montgomery
Project Manager, Workplace Health
Phone: 623 4600 Ext 27749
E-mail: jmontgomery@adhb.govt.nz