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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
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Healthy Workplaces

Last updated: August 23, 2023

Creating Healthy Workplaces

According to the World Health Organization, a healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to continually improve the ways the workplace protects and promotes the health, safety and well-being of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace.

Healthy workplaces provide an environment that is supportive of employees’ mental and physical health, making the healthy choice the easy choice. 

Why Create a Healthy Workplace?

Today’s business environment requires organizations to leverage every possible advantage to in order to thrive, be competitive and be sustainable. Research has shown that organizations with an engaged, healthy workforce are more effective, more productive, and enjoy a better reputation. Such organizations also tend to have reduced absenteeism, fewer health-related expenses, and lower staff turnover.

How Can I Support a Healthy Workplace?

Researchers have shown that, to effectively address health in the workplace, employers need to use a comprehensive approach, acting on a variety of factors. The Ontario Workplace Health Coalition (OWHC) Healthy Workplace Model has four essential elements that work together to create a healthy workplace. It can be used by workplaces of all sizes. 

How Can Public Health Help?

HPEPH can provide information, resources, and support to encourage the creation of a healthy workplace. Have a look at our lending programs, resources available below, email healthycommunities@hpeph.ca or call 613-966-5500 and follow the prompts to reach reception.

Resources to Support a Healthy Workplace

Healthy Eating at Work

The workplace often involves food and meal times. Our Healthy Workplace Nutrition Environment Toolkit and Hosting Healthy Meetings and Events brochure can provide some ideas to encourage healthy eating at work.

Shift Work

Shift work is common in workplaces. It can affect employee health, as well as safety on the job. Organizational approaches can reduce the negative effects of shift work.

Stress and Mental Health

One in five Canadians live with a mental illness. There are many resources available to support employees living with a mental illness and their employers.  

Stress Strategies is a problem-solving approach to addressing stress management. You may wish to share this information about stress-friendly lifestyles with your employees.

Need More Information About Healthy Workplaces?

Call 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 610.

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COVID-19 vaccines in HPE

Eligible individuals can receive their vaccination at many participating local pharmacies by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.

Vaccine ordering for health care providers

Vaccine orders for routine immunizations and STI medications continue to be available through HPEPH by using our vaccine order forms; however, please note that our vaccine delivery/pickup procedure has changed. For the most up to date pick up schedule please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-orders-info-healthcare-providers/.