Victoria University

As you will learn in this video, a workforce that feels happier, healthier and more valued is the result of Victoria University’s (VU) staff wellness program.

WorkHealth checks, sport at lunchtime, discounted gym memberships, Weight Watchers @ Work programs and flu vaccinations are all part of VU’s focus on wellness.

Dr Rob Brown, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Institutional Services, says that as a research-based organisation, VU is very much aware of the evidence that shows there are benefits to be gained from having a workplace health program in place.

“There is oodles of research evidence that shows that if you have happy and well staff, they actually do better for themselves and better for you as an institution,” says Dr Brown.

“We are very aware that we are in a competitive market to retain our employees. The more initiatives we can do that are of benefit for our staff, the more likely we are to keep them.”

With more than 2,500 full-time employees across 10 campuses in Melbourne’s CBD and western region, VU’s main challenge in delivering an effective staff wellness program is successfully meeting the different needs and interests of such a large group of people. A Wellness Cooperative provides a centralised approach to coordinating a range of activities to suit people's needs and interests.

VU is active in promoting the prevention of chronic illness among staff, such as the onset of type 2 diabetes. One of the initiatives in place to address this has been introducing the free WorkHealth checks on all campuses.

VU New Media/e-Marketing Officer, Kate Scott-Young, was one of the staff members who embraced the opportunity to step away from her desk for 15 minutes for a WorkHealth check.

“My boyfriend has high cholesterol and he is the fittest person that I know, so that kind of scared me a little bit. I thought I’d better get myself checked out as well,” said Kate.

VU General Manager OH&S, Geoff Hurst says that when staff feel looked after, they feel valued.

"It’s important to ensure that staff feels valued and get a clear message about their value. A wellness program is an important aspect of valuing staff,” said Geoff.

The approach

Activities underway at VU to enhance the health and wellbeing of staff include:

• WorkHealth checks
• Weight Watchers @ work
• Diabetes Life! program
• Flu vaccinations
• Lunchtime sport
• Discounted gym memberships
• Annual Wellness Forum
• Student serviced clinics, e.g. massage, osteopathy and exercise physiology

The results

• Increased staff productivity
• Staff feel valued
• High awareness of the program among staff and a strong take-up
• Positive feedback is received regularly from staff
• Staff are more aware of the risk of chronic diseases

Strengths of the program

• Based on research evidence
• Range of options available means there is ‘something for everyone’
• Coordinated approach across all campuses
• Development of evaluation model is underway

 

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