Gold for City of South Perth staff wellness program

Healthier Workplace WA is delighted to announce that the City of South Perth recently received a Gold Standard recognition – the highest possible, for demonstrated commitment in workplace health and wellbeing. 

Healthier Workplace WA Manager Emily Davey said, “The benefits of a dedicated health program were significant in helping employees achieve a healthy lifestyle both at home and work”. 

“Along with the health gains, short-to-medium term outcomes of a workplace health program include improved staff morale and engagement, team cohesiveness and increased individual work performance and productivity”. 

City of South Perth CEO Geoff Glass said, “Investing in the health and wellbeing of our employees is one of the highest priorities in the City’s workforce planning. 

“We aim to create a rich work environment that connects physical, psychological and social health which are the proven elements of a resilient, focused workforce less susceptible to illness, stress and with fewer preventable health problems”. 

The City of South Perth has had a preventive workplace health program in place since early 2000, however in 2017 identified a need for more holistic program to provide all round wellness. 

Mr Glass said, “Around 75% of employees participate in one or more initiatives from our annual Health & Wellbeing program which is a terrific outcome”. 

In 2018 the City also aims to lift participation rates as well as introduce some targeted initiatives to benefit areas of the workforce for example the introduction of a Safe Spine program for outside employees. 

City of South Perth received gold recognition for the following health and wellbeing achievements:

• A Smoke Free Policy, support for staff who wish to quit smoking or cut down. 
• Provision of end of trip facilities that enable staff to participate in physical activity before, during or after work, including showers, changing rooms, lockers and bike racks. 
• Provision of sit-stand workstations to staff and promoting standing and walking meetings. 
A TravelSmart Plan which encourages staff to actively commute to and from work. The City also provides and encourages staff to use their free fleet bikes and corporate Smart Rider cards to attend meetings throughout the working day. 
• Prevention programs including flu vaccinations, skin screening and health assessments. 
• An online health portal. The portal provides information to the employee based on a health assessment and their interests. The portal also includes information about healthy cooking, risks of smoking and alcohol, fitness, physical and mental health issues. 
• Employees can access a 10-week health program which includes advice on diet, exercise, sleep and meditation. 
• Participation in physical activity challenges i.e. 10,000 steps challenge. 
• Provision of one on one health assessments. 
• Provision of free exercise classes scheduled during and after work. 

The Recognised Healthy Workplace program recognises organisations that have implemented a workplace health and wellbeing program that addresses risky lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, unhealthy eating, alcohol and physical inactivity. 

The Recognised Healthy Workplace Program is a web-based program which was developed in collaboration with Unions WA and the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry to acknowledge leadership and excellence in workplace health programs. 

For more information about Healthier Workplace WA or to Get Recognised at your workplace program, visit http://healthierworkplacewa.com.au/get-recognised/ 

Healthier Workplace WA is run by the Heart Foundation WA in partnership with Cancer Council WA. 

Media contact: Natalie Quinn Manager – Media & Communications Healthier Workplace WA | Telephone: 9382 5945 | Mobile: 0401 172 316 | Email: Natalie.Quinn@heartfoundation.org.au