Australian Unity

Australian Unity is a national health, financial services and retirement living organisation with more than 1,200 employees across 17 main sites.

Why we’re doing it

Australian Unity is committed to looking after the wellbeing of all it’s employees as well as it’s customers – in terms of both their health, financial and overall wellbeing.

Australian Unity believe that employee wellbeing and engagement go hand in hand. Engaged and happy employees are more productive, more likely to stay with the company and will help contribute to sustainable company success.

“We believe that the wellbeing of our employees is a key part of our business success. One of our biggest challenges is making sure we can reach all employees with our range of programs, right through to staff in each retirement village and dental clinic.”

Sharon Beaumont, Group Executive, Human Resources, Australian Unity

What we are doing

Employee-led programs: Australian Unity have a series of “@work” groups, that have been in place for a number of years. These programs are financially supported by Australian Unity, and interested employees have the opportunity to help lead and manage the activities which include:

• Active@work – a series of activities encouraging physical activity and participation including subsidised yoga, Pilates, boot camps, team sports such as basketball, netball and soccer, BRW triathlon, Around the Bay in a Day, Falls Creek Corporate Ski Challenge, and the “AUlympics”;
• Wellbeing@work – a calendar of events including skin cancer checks, flu shots, ergonomic assessments, shiatsu massage, seminars on financial health, diet, weekly fruit boxes, an employee assistance program and a free quit smoking program;
• Fun@work – social interaction events such as footy tipping, trivia nights, Easter and Christmas events; and
• Community@Work – a community program includes one day of paid leave for staff to volunteer at a community group of their choice, payroll giving, blood donation drives and various fundraising initiatives.

Health Expo:  this popular activity offers assessments of key health indicators including risk factors for cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. The expo also features educational elements such as healthy cooking demonstrations, food education, quizzes and information seminars.

Wellplan Online: this is an interactive health website with an online health assessment tool, health information and regular customised newsletters. Wellplan Online also provides de-identified population reports so risk factor and disease prevalence trends can be measured over time.

Strengths of our program

Employees have extremely high levels of awareness and engagement in the wellbeing programs. The programs are actively promoted in the staff induction process, as well as through our internal communication channels. Much of the success is a result of the programs being managed by volunteers – employees who get together with an interest in the area.

“The wellbeing programs enable staff to mix with people from other departments, which has a good roll-on effect to the culture and vibe in the company.”

Sharon Beaumont, Group Executive, Human Resources, Australian Unity

And the results?

Australian Unity believe the value their staff place on the wellbeing programs is reflected in the high level of staff engagement, which is over 80%.  In particular, the inaugural Health Expo held in 2007 was a resounding success and will be replicated in future years.

Staff retention rates, which are above industry standards, also demonstrate the success of these initiatives, as does the inclusion of Australian Unity in the 2007 Hewitt Top 50 Best Employers listing.

“We'll continue to review our wellbeing offerings, to make sure we're addressing the key needs and interests of our people.”

Sharon Beaumont, Group Executive, Human Resources, Australian Unity