http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news Keep up to date with WorkWell's latest news feed. en-US http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/474 Presenteeism happens when workers are present at work but are limited in their job performance by poor health, or an unrecognised or unaddressed physical or mental health problem. Some employers have set up workplace wellness programmes in an attempt to reduce presenteeism and improve on-the-job performance. The question is - do these programmes work? A recent review of the evidence suggests that some do work and points to programme components which help to make them successful. Click here to read the full article. Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/474 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/473 Be Bright cyclists! That’s the message for cyclists from the Bikewise, NZ police, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council as daylight saving comes to an end. The "Be Bright" campaign focuses on reducing cycling accidents and increasing awareness of cyclist safety. Cyclists will be reminded to light up their bikes and wear high-visibility clothing to help keep them safe on the road - especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk or in poor weather. Tauranga’s Be Bright campaign will involve: Checkpoints at key locations where Travel Safe and Police will assess reflective gear and lights. Those that have adequate lights will be rewarded with a voucher. Cyclists that do not have adequate lights will be given a bicycle light so traffic are aware of them sharing the road. Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Bright – “Cars kill what they can’t see” awareness signs Promotion to workplaces that participate in the WorkWell programme run by Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service Did you know! Cyclists are required by law to have: Red or yellow rear reflectors, or if their bike dose not have these , the cyclist must be wearing reflective material Yellow pedal reflectors, or if their bike does not have these, the cyclist must be wearing reflective material When light is dim or dark, a steady or flashing rear-facing bike light and one or two white or yellow headlights that can be seen at night from a distance of 100m. If the cycle is fitted with one headlamp, that headlamp may be flashing. If fitted with two head lamps, only one of the headlamps may be flashing. Penalties for not being visible: Fine for no lights on your bike $55 Fine for no tail light on your bike is $55 Fine for no red reflector or tape is $55 For more information visit www.bikewise.co.nz Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/473 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/460 The Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust has now expanded the policies available on their website to include bullying and harassment, as well as diversity and EEO. To view the new sample policies that have been kindly provided by their members, click here. Mon, 23 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/460 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/461 People are reaching 65, living longer, and staying in employment whether employers like it or not. Learn how to understand the challenges and opportunities of an ageing workforce by attending the EEO Trust one day workshop 'Riding the Age Wave: Becoming an age-friendly employer'. Mon, 23 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/461 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/457 The Cancer Society have recently produced an information sheet on Vitamin D and SunSmart. This handy sheet provides information on how to get enough vitamin D while still staying safe in the sun. The sheet was informed by the Consensus Statement on Vitamin D and Sun Exposure which was recently developed by the Cancer Society, Ministry of Health and ACC. Click the link to read the consensus statement. Thu, 5 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/457 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/456 Trust is extremely important in an organisation. Findings from the Kenan-Flagler Business School indicate that not only do high trust organisations perform better financially, they are also better at attracting and retaining employees, developing talent and exhibiting organisational behaviours consistent with values and ethics. Click here to read the report - it offers a number of ideas on how you can build or rebuild organisational trust! Wed, 4 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/456 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/453 Quitline have just launched a new mobile version of their website so you can now access Quitline's services directly from your smartphone! Key features include the Quit blogs, Quit Stats, and Txt2Quit services. You can also register as a new user straight from your smartphone. The new services will work with a wide variety of smartphones including iPhones, Android and Blackberry's, Type www.quit.org.nz into your mobile browser and you will be automatically directed to the new site! Wed, 4 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/453 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/454 The World Health Organisation recently published the WHO global report 2012 which included information on the proportion of adult deaths due to tobacco. It shows five million people died because of tobacco in 2004; one person every six seconds. It estimates that one billion people are projected to die during the 21st century unless strong actions are taken. Visit www.quit.org.nz for information on quitting smoking or supporting others to become smokefree. Wed, 4 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/454 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/455 The Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust is currently adding updated EEO and/or diversity policies that have been kindly donated by members. If you are looking to update your policy, you can view the policies that are currently available here. In addition, you can send the trust a copy of your recently updated policy if you would like to share it and they will upload it to their site! Wed, 4 April 2012 00:00:00 +1200 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/455 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/444 The Department of Labaour have developed best practice guidelines for working at height in New Zealand. They are currently being published and will be available from next month. The guidelines provide practical guidance to employers, contractors, sub-contractors, and employees and all others associated with working at height. The guidelines are accompanied by a Working Safely at Height Toolkit that includes six factsheets covering how to plan a safe approach to working at height, how to select equipment for the job, short duration work at height, edge protection, temporary work platforms and restraint technique. For further information, visit the Depart of Labour website www.dol.govt.nz or call their contact centre 0800 20 90 20 Thu, 29 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/444 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/445 Recent figures from the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency show that drug screening in the workplace has almost doubled in the last 12 months in New Zealand. While the issue of random drug testing in the workplace is not new, recently we've seen two cases of companies dismissing employees based on drug test results that were procedurally flawed and therefore invalid. While random testing is permitted, it may only be carried out where it is expressly provided for in a company's alcohol and drug policy. Employees may not be tested without "reasonable cause". Click here to read some tips for employers around alcohol and drug testing in the workplace. Thu, 29 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/445 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/441 The flu vaccine has arrived and there is no better time to immunise your workforce than before the influenza season begins. Click here to read up on why vaccination is so important and how to get your workforce immunised. Wed, 21 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/441 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/432 Brain week is March 12-18 and to help promote it, the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand have developed a poster entitled 'Road Map to the Healthy Brain'. Click here to download the poster for your home or office! Mon, 5 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/432 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/433 The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand is aiming to raise awareness of melanoma during 'Melanoma March'. This annual awareness campaign is a bid to drive home the importance of not only checking your own skin, but also that of your family and friends, in order to catch melanomas in the early stages while they are easily treatable. They have published a great new poster to promote how important it is for everyone to check their skin for changes: 'Stay Alive, Detect and Survive'. The text reads: EARLY MELANOMA DETECTION SAVES LIVES. More than 70% of melanoma cases occur in the 50+ age group. It's more common in men, who have a higher mortality rate. But if detected early, melanoma is treatable. So check your skin regularly, look for changes, show your doctor. it could be the difference between life and death. The A3 size poster is available free on request from admin@melanoma.org.nz Mon, 5 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/433 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/434 Are you stuck long hours sitting at a computer? Research shows it's unhealthy. The good news is there are many ways to change your workstation so you can stand for some of your working day. You'll feel better and be more productive! Top Tips for Breaking up Sitting time: There are no rules against standing during meetings – try it Take a brisk walk during your lunch break conduct meetings while walking outdoors – these can be very effective for one-on-ones with colleagues Stand at a high bench top to eat your lunch Stand up and move around while answering the telephone At the very least get up and move once every hour Consider a height adjustable desk that permits working in both a sitting or standing posture Limit your TV viewing to two hours a day Use commercial breaks for household chores Click here to view the Just Stand website to find out more. Mon, 5 March 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/434 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/430 A new study, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, shows that by providing a more flexible approach to work, companies are rewarded by having a more efficient and healthier staff. Click here to read more on this study and other ways to build a happier workplace! Tue, 21 February 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/430 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/429 Experience shows the single most important thing that leads to new migrants settling well and staying in New Zealand is having work they enjoy. This may be in a chosen field - or not. However work can be good or bad regardless of what kind of work it is. What makes a place good to work at is not just about what you do - it’s also about how people get on together. New Zealanders have a reputation for being friendly, however there may be differences in the ways some things are done that can be confusing. For example, in New Zealand eye to eye contact is a mark of respect. Avoiding eye contact is a signal that the listener would prefer to be somewhere else. This is the exact opposite of some countries. Understanding the basic building blocks of informal communication in New Zealand can greatly reduce workplace misunderstanding, and provide both new migrants and other employees with confidence that they are understood. The Employee toolkit is an 8 page fold-out booklet which introduces the most common points of communication difference for most new migrants. Click here to download the booklet, or save and print the individual cards. Fri, 3 February 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/429 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/426 Recent research led by members of the Massey University Healthy Work Group, sought to develop and evaluate a valid and reliable methodology for the measurement of workplace stress and bullying in New Zealand organisations. The project was focused around identifying the incidence and nature of bullying and stress across four industry sectors: health, education, travel and hospitality, and in identifying potential interventions to better manage psychosocial hazards. Click here to read the full article. Mon, 23 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/426 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/425 The economic value of mountainbiking in Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest has been estimated at five times its annual timber revenue and looks set to increase as promotions raise awareness of what is on offer. Click here to read the full article! Thu, 19 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/425 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/423 New Zealanders quitting smoking as a New Year resolution can use an innovative, free social media platform in a nationwide smokefree challenge starting on 14 January. The technology platform Goalpost, which went live for sign-ups on 1 January, harnesses the power of social media and connects people who want to quit with supporters, tools and games to help break the nicotine addiction. People logging onto Goalpost will be able to set their own quit goals, invite friends and family to support their quit attempt, as well as providing opportunities to connect with others with the same goal. Goalpost cofounder Siobhan Bulfin says the aim is to get New Zealand smokers quitting and supporting each other through social technology and game play. "Research shows that people are much more likely to quit smoking if they have the support of their family, co-worker and friends and if they have achievable goals to work towards. We also know that people are more likely to achieve their goal if challenged and rewarded." Goalpost has partnered with Quitline and the Health Sponsorship Council so people are inspired to stop smoking, support their friends who are trying to quit and access the kind of support that will greatly increase their chances of beating the addiction for good. Smokers can sign up to Goalpost and join other Kiwis in their quit attempt at www.goalpost.it. Thu, 12 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/423 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/422 Asking someone about their smoking habits and whether they want to quit can be a daunting concept. 'Having the conversation' is a document developed by the Ministry of Health, along with input from various health professionals, which provides tips on how to start the conversation. Read it here. Wed, 11 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/422 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/416 Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service has produced a 2012 calendar of public health events, including information on awareness and appeal events in various public health areas. How about planning your workplace wellness initiatives so they sync with their respective national and international events?! Click here to view the calendar! Mon, 9 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/416 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/417 Around half of Kiwi men and a third of women are not eating enough fruit and vegetables, results from the Health Ministry's adult nutrition survey show. And while healthy eating resulted in increased productivity and fewer sick days at work, many were struggling to keep up healthy habits in the workplace, information from the Five Plus a Day trust showed. Click here to read the full article Mon, 9 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/417 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/418 Turn off the lights, trigger the alarm, and put yourself in the boots of emergency responders who could be at your workplace during an emergency, such as a fire, crime in progress, or medical crisis. Take a moment to look around. Your workplace is their workplace ... is it safe? No? Then make the change and save a life. Click here for some tangible health and safety tips to make your workplace safe for everyone. Mon, 9 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/418 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/419 Mental illness is a growing problem in society and is increasingly affecting productivity and well-being in the workplace, according to a new Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report. To help sufferers, a new approach is needed, especially in the workplace, says the OECD. This includes good working conditions which reduce and better manage stress; systematic monitoring of sick leave behaviour; and help to employers to reduce workplace conflicts and avoid unnecessary dismissal caused by mental health problems. Click here to read the full article. Mon, 9 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/419 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/420 Sitting for long periods is hard on the body. It strains the back and causes the muscles to become slack. It slows the processes that metabolise calories, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. There is a solution to the evils of sitting: make it a point to get up and move throughout the workday. Workers can take this insight to heart by sitting on an exercise ball or standing while working, by using the stairs instead of the elevator, or even by walking over to a co-worker’s desk instead of sending an email. Every little bit helps. Now some employers are going a step further, by aligning the “move while you work” mandate with the corporate culture. They hope to improve their employees’ health and to lower medical costs in the process. Click here to find out how! Fri, 6 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/420 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/421 Judging an employee not on hours spent in the office, but on output, increases the health of the employee, U.S. researchers found. To read the full article, click here. Fri, 6 January 2012 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/421 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/411 Smartphones are ever present in the workplace, and flow over into the home and worker’s leisure time. How are workers holding up psychologically in the 24/7 smartphone connected workplace? Click here to read the full article. Wed, 21 December 2011 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/411 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/412 Things to do, not things to have – that’s the mantra to keep in mind when planning for gifts this Christmas, says the Mental Health Foundation. Research conducted by psychologists at Cornell University and the University of Colorado looked into whether people were happier when spending their money on goods or an experience. Click here to find out more! Wed, 21 December 2011 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/412 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/413 ACC have put together a simple safety checklist for anyone staying in a holiday home this summer - whether it is yours or someone elses. Take the time to check things are safe before you relax completely, it could be time well spent! Click here to see the checklist. Wed, 21 December 2011 00:00:00 +1300 GMT http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/workwell_news/id/413