PURPOSE
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake recognizes that a Staff Wellness Program would support the health and well-being of employees, improve employee morale and increase productivity.
POLICY STATEMENT
The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to providing staff with a safe, positive, and healthy workplace. Through the Staff Wellness Program, the Town encourages, supports, and offers health-related programs that will assist staff in achieving ownership for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, resulting in improving the overall health and well-being for all staff. A healthy workplace leads to improved satisfaction and morale, which contribute to a more effective organization.
Wellness Objectives
1. The development of a healthy workplace environment will convey corporate values and support for staff health and well-being.
2. A healthy workplace leads to improved satisfaction and morale, which contribute to a more effective organization.
3. The objective of this program is to:
a. Improve understanding of workplace issues that impact the health and well-being of Town staff;
b. Provide a work environment that will support staff health and well-being;
c. Build the knowledge, skill and ability of staff to take control over their well-being by helping individuals become actively involved in improving their personal health.
Roles and Responsibilities
Staff Wellness Committee:
Will consist of a group of volunteers who are interested in and committed to enhancing the health and well-being of town staff. Membership is drawn from all Town staff who are interested in participating. The Staff Wellness Committee will:
1. Assess staff wellness needs by actively seeking input from staff;
2. Develop and implement wellness initiatives to address the needs of staff;
3. Familiarize employees with the idea that there are several avenues to achieve health and wellness and that the Town will undertake activities in many of these areas in order to enhance staff well-being.
Management Responsibilities:
1. Keep staff up-to-date on Healthy Workplace activities and programs, through regular communication;
2. Support and encourage staff involvement in the Staff Wellness Program as a component of employee involvement in professional development;
3. Offer training and coaching to staff who want to become involved in the program for developmental reasons;
4. Contribute ideas, opinions and expertise to the Staff Wellness Committee; and,
5. Participate in the programs, activities and resources provided through the Staff Wellness Program.
Human Resources Responsibilities:
1. Review and revise human resources policies that impact staff health and wellness to ensure that they support and are consistent with the Town’s Staff Wellness Program.
Communication, Training and Implementation
A healthy workplace requires participation from all. Staff participation can include developing, implementing and reviewing wellness initiatives, involvement in the planning of wellness promotion programs at work, identifying problems, devising solutions and then implementing and evaluating these solutions. Staff are encouraged to participate in any or all programs that are made available to them.
Town staff will be surveyed to determine which wellness initiatives are important to them. These results will be compiled and analyzed by the Staff Wellness Committee to develop initiatives. Monthly Workplace Wellness Initiatives will take place during work hours, over lunch breaks and after work hours to provide flexibility for all staff. Details regarding Staff Wellness will be communicated through email and the Employee Newsletter.
Initiatives offered to all Staff
Complimentary Skate passes for public skating
Complimentary Pool passes for public swimming
Complimentary Gym passes at the Community Centre
Complimentary Niagara-on-the-Lake swag offered to all staff
Annual Council and Staff Golf Tournament and BBQ
Annual Summer BBQ
Paid days off to Volunteer during regular working hours (2 days per year for FT Staff only) |