Throughout York Region, other companies are mounting offensives against lost productivity and unhealthy workplaces.

Mayhew & Associates, a company that creates workplace environments for every type of business, was recently honoured for its innovative wellness programs by the York Region Human Resource Services.

Twice a year, Mayhew & Associates hosts safety and wellness weeks and offers regular CPR training, fire drills and health seminars. For the past two years, the company has initiated a successful smoking cessation program.

"We also subsidize health club memberships for our employees," says Paul Philip, v-p of Mayhew & Associates. "It's a win-win situation for our employees and for us."

At Reebok Canada Inc., employees have access to a full gym on site. "Employees can work out with weight training equipment and participate in aerobic classes," says Carrie Gaudet, human resources representative at Reebok Canada Inc. in Aurora. "It's a convenient way for people to stay in shape and to keep motivated. We also offer regular wellness workshops, health and safety seminars and First Aid classes."

For some companies, creating a healthy workplace is a matter of rearranging office furniture and eliminating the clutter.

"There is a clear connection between our work environment and how efficient we are at our jobs," says Felicia Weinstein, a professional space planner who has just published From Chaos to Harmony: Your Guide to a Renewed Spirit, Serenity and the Happiness You Deserve.

Weinstein's book offers practical advice about interior design, Feng Shui, spiritual design and organizational management for large and small companies. "If we are surrounded by clutter, our minds are just as cluttered," she says. "Changing your work environment can make people feel better about themselves and their work."

Companies that ignore the movement towards healthier workplaces will find it increasingly difficult to find and keep good employees. According to Jim Davidson, Commissioner of York Region Human Resource Services, "If you don't take care of your employees, someone else will."

For companies looking to launch a wellness program, a good place to start is the York Region Health Services. A team of healthcare professionals (nurses, public health inspectors, dental practitioners, and nutritionists) provides educational workshops, displays and resources for companies that want to initiate wellness programs.

"We provide consultation services for starting and maintaining wellness programs in the workplace," says Isabel Payne, a public health nurse with the Workplace Wellness Team of the York Region Health Services. "We offer resources on 23 separate wellness-related topics that are accessible to companies in York Region."

Heartyparty.com is a non-profit organization that works with companies that want to actively encourage their employees to lead healthier lives. "We encourage employers to expose their employees to good information about proper diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices," says Nicky Rauzon-Wright, co-ordinator of heartyparty.com.

"Last year, several companies and agencies ran successful heart initiatives with our help."

(Ross Fattori is a Toronto-based freelance writer who can be reached at rosswords@rogers.com.)



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