The many dimensions of a healthy workplace
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, our staff are focused on delivering programs to support the health of individuals and families in the communities we serve. To do that effectively, we also need to focus on our own health and wellness. All staff members have access to the YMCA’s health and fitness centres, where they can work out and choose activities based on their schedule and interests, from getting on a treadmill to participating in a group fitness class.
While physical activity is an important component of health, it is only one aspect. We take a holistic approach to well-being and realize that many social and environmental factors affect health. That’s why the YMCA creates socially inclusive work environments where diversity and differences are valued and employees feel a sense of belonging. We provide awareness training to staff on mental health, which helps them understand this important component of their own health and to better support others. The core goals of this training, explains Melanie Laflamme, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Development, are to “increase awareness of the continuum of mental health and mental illness, support positive mental health in the workplace, and foster a safe, open and supportive environment for staff and community members.”
Opportunity to do meaningful work and have a sense of purpose is an important aspect of staff engagement and healthy workplaces. At our YMCA, employees have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals but at the same time grow as individuals. The YMCA’s Career Planning and Development Services is not only an external service that we offer to the public– it also supports our staff by providing an objective assessment of their strengths to complement and enhance self-awareness and support their personal and career development.
Another important element is ensuring that our benefit plans, leaves of absences and our culture support a healthy workplace. As an employer, we offer additional days on top of vacation time to help our full-time staff navigate their family and personal responsibilities. And through our Employee Assistance Program, employees can access information on topics including mental health, fitness, and healthy eating, and get referrals to professionals such as nutritionists to support their health. We encourage our employees to actively manage their health through access to a unique health benefit that provides educational resources, helps them navigate the health system, and provides access to second medical opinion services and other resources.
Health is multi-dimensional, and there are many ways to be healthy at work. But it is important that health activities are meaningful for the individual. Heather, a YMCA volunteer, says she has personally experienced the health benefits of volunteering and says the experience has turned her life around. Volunteering is shown to have both physical and mental health benefits. At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, over 5,000 volunteers give their time, talents, and passions to give back to their communities.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle is a great way to get involved with others, have fun, and rise to your potential. The YMCA of Greater Toronto recognizes the significance of Healthy Workplace Month in bringing awareness to, and promoting health and wellness in our workplaces and communities.
Visit the Healthy Workplace Month website to access an entire toolkit of healthy activities and resources.
