Healthy Work Environments

The competing demands of work, family and/or personal responsibilities often mean less time or energy for health prevention behaviours like physical activity. These pressures often lead to other physical and emotional health issues such as unhealthy eating, tobacco use and substance use. A healthy work environment can enhance the health and well-being of employees and benefit the community as a whole.

Canadians spend an average of 10.5 hours each day at work (or commuting to and from), making the workplace an ideal place to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours like healthy eating and physical activity.

Healthy Work Environments The three elements of a comprehensive approach to a healthy work environment are the following: Occupational Health and Safety – for the physical work environment Organizational Wellness – creating a healthy workplace culture Workplace Health Promotion – making the healthy choice the easy choice read more

How to Get Started Creating a Healthy Work Environment The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport participated in a one-year pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of health interventions and strategies to promote a healthy work environment. The Healthy Work Environment Initiative provided information, opportunities and support to employees with the goal of increasing physical activity and healthy eating. read more

Eat Smart Meet Smart If you plan meetings, events or conferences, you can help people to make healthier choices – to eat healthier foods, and to be more active – and your meetings, events and conferences will likely be more successful as a result. The Eat Smart Meet Smart resources can help you do that. read more

Healthier Vending Choices While a vending machine is often the only option for a quick snack, junk food shouldn’t be. The Province is leading the way by ensuring that healthier options are available, because we all have a responsibility to make healthier food choices – for ourselves, for our families and as a society. To learn more about the Province's approach to healthier food choices in public buildings, click here. read more