Jimmy Possum
Beginning as a one man operation 13 years ago, JIMMY POSSUM now employs over 160 people across three (soon to be four) states, designing, manufacturing, marketing, retailing and delivering its hand crafted timber furniture and sofa products. JIMMY POSSUM is based in Bendigo in rural Victoria.
Why we are doing it
JIMMY POSSUM has always considered the health and working conditions of its employees as paramount. Support for a health promotion program was prompted not by a concern about a specific health problem but by a belief that the business would prosper with a healthy and happy workforce.
"The business simply could not operate without a happy and healthy workforce, that is a sensible approach, and a self-evident fact"
Will Thorn Human Resource Assistant, JIMMY POSSUM
How we're doing it
JIMMY POSSUM has engaged Bendigo Community Health Service and the services of a local professional counsellor to provide:
- flu vaccinations
- health checks
- healthy eating recommendations which are reinforced through the provision of ‘healthy’ breakfasts
- a number of health information sessions including men’s and women’s health evenings for staff and their families
- a QUIT program; and
- the services of a counsellor on site two days per week.
All services are provided free of charge to the workers and are provided to the workers on site. If any follow up actions are recommended by the health professionals delivering the service, time is made available for that purpose.
And the results?
Bendigo Community Health Service monitors and reports annually on the response to each of the health and wellbeing initiatives. Every aspect of the program has been accepted by staff with an uptake rate of approximately 85% overall. This has resulted in:
- reduced sick leave and absenteeism
- a more content and happy workforce
- the flow on of information on health and wellbeing issues to family and friends, and
- an “everyone wants to work at JIMMY POSSUM” culture, not least because of its reputation as a very good and caring employer.
"The staff know that they are cared for, and that they are cared about. This has fostered a very positive and productive work environment"
Will Thorn Human Resource Assistant, JIMMY POSSUM
