By SUZANNE MCINTOSH
A year and a half ago I began my position at the U of L as the wellness co-ordinator. One of the major tasks identified for me was to build upon and lead the University's wellness initiatives. A large part of this was to formulate a Mission and Vision for Wellness at the U of L.
After many months and numerous consultations with outside organizations and post-secondary institutions (who have best practice wellness programs), internal departments, the U of L Wellness Committee, the human resource team, and many others within the University of Lethbridge, we now have a mission and vision of wellness for the institution. Thanks to the Wellness and the Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committees, for all their input and feedback, and to those employees who provided me with their definition of what wellness means to them.
I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the University of Lethbridge Wellness Mission and Vision. An important thing to remember is that this program belongs to the University community and is a program that will change and grow as the University and its people change and grow.
Mission
The University of Lethbridge recognizes our people are our greatest asset and that health and well-being is critical to overall University success.
The University of Lethbridge is committed to empowering employees to fulfill their personal and collective health and wellness goals.
Vision Statement
That each person have the ability to seek knowledge, create health and wellness goals and attain their highest level of well-being.
The University recognizes that individual pursuit of a balanced and fulfilled lifestyle enhances overall organizational health.
Principles
Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of choices and making decisions toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Wellness involves identifying the priorities and personal needs in one's life and making changes in lifestyle behaviours that help one attain the highest level of health and well-being possible for that individual.
Wellness will be viable and prominent at the University, which will encourage employees to utilize wellness resources. This will result in increased employee satisfaction, which has been shown to increase productivity and decrease absenteeism.
The Wellness program will:
Support employees in creating a balanced, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Support wellness initiatives and educational programs
• Health Screening
• Managed care and return to work programs (for both occupational and non-occupational injury/illness)
• Monthly lunch and learn sessions
• Ergonomic assessments
• Back health education and stretching program
• Life Balance fair, Wellness Week and Activity challenge
Wellness Committee
Support the U of L's existing internal responsibility focus and will continue to support a person's right to choice.
The Wellness program will interact with numerous stakeholders; on and off campus.
• Employees
• Wellness Committee
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Emergency Response Team
• Ergonomics
• Health Centre
• Human Resources
• Managed Care
• Pension and Benefits
• Risk and Safety Services
• Security Services
• Sport and Recreation Services
• Benefits Providers
• Workers' Compensation Board
• Community resources and service providers
The focus of the wellness program is on education, prevention and empowerment of each U of L employee. The University of Lethbridge believes that the health and well-being of its employees is critical to overall productivity.
Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of choices and making decisions toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Suzanne McIntosh is the University's wellness co-ordinator