Workplace wellness is about increasing awareness about valuing the overall health and well-being of a workplace’s greatest resource - its people! It is an opportunity to support employee's overall well-being so they are empowered to feel and do their best.
If you're looking for support to build a healthy workplace program, TBDHU can help! Our team of workplace wellness experts supports organizations with developing a Comprehensive Workplace Health Program (CWHP) based on each workplace's unique needs. All services are free! For more information, visit TBDHU Workplace Health. Alternately, you can call 807-625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com to book a consultation.
Join us in October for a free Workplace Wellness Champion Series - a 4-part virtual webinar hosted by TBDHU, in partnership with EWSNetwork. This series is designed to help you become a true advocate for wellness within your organization by equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to drive lasting positive change. You'll learn how to master the art of being a wellness champion and leave a lasting impact in your workplace.The series will explore tried-and-true workplace wellness strategies that supercharge employee engagement and well-being. It will also dive deep into the details of assessing, implementing, and evaluating effective workplace wellness programs. Helpful resources and recordings will be made available to those who sign up.
Visit EWSnetwork.com/wwcs-tbdhu for further details and registration information. Then, mark your calendar for October 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 11:00 am to noon. Registerd participants can attend live or view the recordings. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your workplace wellness approach!
TBDHU Supports for Employee Wellness
The TBDHU workplace wellness team provides guidance to leaders on creating a comprehensive wellness program in businesses and organizations. To learn more, visit our Workplace Health page. Alternately, you can call 807-625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com to speak with a member of our wellness@work team.
TBDHU offers workplaces support to conduct workplace assessments. Email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.to learn more about our customizable employee interest survey and our comprehensive workplace wellness scorecard.
TBDHU also offers select training and networking events.
Employers and employees who have questions related to control of infectious diseases in the workplace or are looking for resources, can contact the Healthy Workplace Team by calling (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or send an email to workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.
Many adults spend a large portion of their day at work and typically eat at least one meal and snack during their workday. Eating well at work can have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing. The foods we eat not only impact our physical health, but they also influence our mood and concentration.
A healthy workplace nutrition environment is one of the main influences for eating well at work. This includes foods served at meetings or events, vending machines or cafeterias, fundraising, or foods left in common areas (e.g. the lunchroom, front desks, waiting areas). Having an environment that supports individuals to eat well at work benefits everyone.
Shared meal – workplaces can decide on whether to organize catering or a potluck/nourish bowl event (our Nourish Bowl sign up sheet makes it easy to organize).
Collective learning and discussion about food insecurity in Thunder Bay District – several great resources are suggested, but we strongly recommend reading one or both of the 2023 Cost of Eating Well Reports which include income scenarios and suggested advocacy actions.
Postcard writing blitz – use the "Food for All" postcard to write to elected officials about your concerns. Letter-style templates are also linked in the toolkit if you want to borrow wording or wish to send a longer letter or email.
If you have questions about healthy eating and would like to speak to a Registered Dietitian, visit Health Connect Ontario or call 811 or 1-866-797-0000. It’s free!
Employers wanting to encourage workers to quit smoking or vaping can find cessation services at TBDHU.com/quitsmoking.
TBDHU reminds all employees and employers that workplaces and workplace vehicles are to remain smoke and vape free. For more information about the Smoke-free Ontario Act, visit:
Email enforcement@tbdhu.com regarding any concerns about smoking or vaping in the workplace or to request free "No smoking" and "No Vaping" signage from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
As of June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires that naloxone be available in some workplaces in case a worker has an opioid overdose. The temporary funding provided by the Ontario Government’s Workplace Naloxone Program for workplaces to access free training and naloxone kits is no longer available. However, employers are still required to comply with naloxone requirements under the OHSA. This includes acquiring naloxone kits, replacing contents when needed and providing training. All costs associated with compliance are now the employer’s responsibility. Employers can purchase a new naloxone kit through any vendor that is offering them for sale. Employers cannot use community naloxone programs (Ontario Naloxone Program or Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies) to access kits.
Did you know investing in breastfeeding/chestfeeding in the workplace can benefit everyone? As per the Ontario Public Health Association these benefits include:
Less absenteeism – breastfeeding parents are less likely to be absent from work to tend to a sick child.
Improved worker productivity, morale and loyalty – parents whose employers have recognized and assisted them in their goal of continued breastfeeding have improved work satisfaction.
Less staff turnover – breastfeeding parents are more likely to return to work, resulting in less staff turnover. This enables employers to keep trained, experienced and motivated staff.
The Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Guide (by the Ontario Public Health Association) outlines the benefits of investing in breastfeeding/chestfeeding support in the workplace, creating a policy, and tips for creating a good lactation environment.
Employers can refer employees with questions about lactation to:
TBDHU Lactation Services where a Public Health Nurse can answer questions about lactation during pregnancy, while on leave, or after delivery. Appointments are offered onsite, in the home, virtually or by phone. For more information, call 807-625-8827 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 or contact us by email at: lactation@tbdhu.com. More information on lactation in general is available at TBDHU.com/lactation.
Ontario's Health 811 service offers 24/7 support from a nurse or lactation consultant around breastfeeding/chestfeeding (call 811 or 1-866-797-0000).
