QUT: A workplace wellness program

If you are wondering what a wellbeing or wellness program might look like you can find an example at Queensland University of Technology. (www.wellness.qut.edu.au)

The Wellness Matters Program utilises a wellness model that incorporates physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational dimensions to delivery health promotion programs involving activity and educative workshops and seminars.

QUT states that their mission is to deliver to staff a 'comprehensive voluntary Wellness promotion program that provides the motivation, resources and opportunities to develop balanced work and personal Wellness leading to an improved quality of life.'

Their web site provides details of the program, a history of wellness, resources and links.

The discussion of the concept of wellness identifies common elements in a range of definitions:

'multidimensionality, dimension balance, personal conscious decision to engage in healthy behaviours for optimum living and self responsibility. The most common dimensions included in definitions and models are physical, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational or vocational, intellectual, environmental and recently financial.'

QUT point out the benefits of wellness programs in workplaces. They include:

* reduce employee stress

* improve employee health

* reduce workforce turnover

* improve employee decision-making ability

* reduce organisational conflict

* reduce absenteeism

* create a healthier organisational culture

* improve employee morale and loyalty

* reduce effects of presenteeism.

Given the hidden costs of these matters an effective wellbeing program makes good sense.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia 's only Mental Nutritionist� specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com.

You'll find more articles under Resources, Selection Criteria, Wellbeing and Daring Dames.

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