Prioritising Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace

Community-based disability support provider ConneXu is prioritising health and wellbeing as an employer, introducing a range of initiatives within the workplace to empower their team to take steps towards healthier lifestyles.

Partnering with Work Well for the past two years, ConneXu has been working through their Work Well accreditation, achieving Bronze Accreditation in 2022 and Silver in 2023. They’ve now got their eye on gold.

The organisation’s Health and Wellbeing initiatives focus on five priority areas: physical activity; healthy eating; mental health and wellbeing; smoke-free; and immunisation and infection control.

A team survey conducted in 2023, identified a decrease in physical activity since the Covid lockdowns, so ConneXu has introduced an optional team bootcamp, established walking groups and enabled physical activity days throughout the year including entering a team into the 2023 and 2024 Round the Bridges team fun walk/fun run.

Looking at healthy eating, the aim has been to build awareness around healthy eating options and the benefits of making healthier choices. ConneXu has been updating its healthy eating policy and modifying office catering to include healthier options. Team fruit bowls have been added to break rooms and healthy recipes are shared on online platforms, and in workshops, All team members have access to My Everyday Wellbeing a platform for health, wellbeing and nutrition.

Focusing on mental health and wellbeing, Clearhead a new Employee Assistance Programme has been introduced which provides access to information and support available including social groups and team opportunities like the walking groups. New internal performance management tools have also been introduced to improve communication and increase instances of constructive feedback being provided in the workplace. E-learning modules and awareness initiatives underpin the mental health and wellbeing programme.

In terms of having a smokefree workforce, ConneXu is providing education opportunities around smokefree including the promotion of smokefree material in common spaces, and support for team members and disabled partners who wish to quit.

Infection control and immunisation is the final focus area of the WorkWell accreditation and ConneXu has partnered with local pharmacies in each region to offer flu vaccinations and vitamins to its team. Education and awareness resources support these initiatives to highlight what is available to employees and best practices around infection prevention and control.

One ConneXu employee, Helen, has been a keen participant in the programme and led the organisation of the Round the Bridges Team.

“It has been great to see some of the positive changes being implemented at work, like the healthier morning teas and free fruit bowls,” she says.

“I’ve also gotten to know new team members who have participated in various things like Round the Bridges, and I think that has helped to build the culture at work. I’m looking forward to seeing where we go next.”