More workplaces are becoming health promoting

Workplaces focus on good health

45 of Hafnarfjörður’s 60 workplaces have become health promoting, including all primary schools in the community. The project Hafnarfjörður – a health promoting workplace was launched in May 2022. It puts the health, well-being and well-being of employees at the forefront. The implementation will be completed at the end of the summer. The project, a Health Promoting Workplace is under the auspices of the Directorate of Health.

All of Hafnarfjörður’s primary schools have become health promoting in one way or another, with a total of 45 out of 60 workplaces in the town. Eight factors characterize health-promoting workplaces:

• Healthy diet
• Governance that supports health promotion
• Employee well-being
• Practices that promote well-being and a reasonable workload
• Physical activity and outdoor activities when appropriate
• Safe and healthy working environment
• Alcohol, tobacco and drug-free workplace
• Environmental protection

A health-promoting workplace is suitable for all workplaces regardless of size, industry or location. Each workplace can use the criteria of a Health Promoting Workplace based on its needs, assumptions and possibilities. The benefits to workplaces and their employees that take care of their health are undeniable. When successful they can:

• Increase job well-being and greater job satisfaction
• Improve overall health
• Improve mental well-being
• Improve physical functions
• Increase dedication to work
• Improve social relationships and communication at work

Each workplace chooses its focus area. Hulda Sólveig Jóhannsdóttir, project manager for health promoting workplaces, supports management in implementing the program as simply and effectively as possible. The culture in the workplace changes for the better when there are set goals that are followed up on and achieved. The implementation was set for two years and the intention is for Hafnarfjörður to operate health promoting workplaces for the future.

A health-promoting workplace is a tool that enables workplaces to approach the issue effectively and create environments and conditions that contribute to improved health and well-being. If successful, it can prevent burnout and reduce dropout from the labour market.

The objectives are: Improved health, increased well-being and job satisfaction, fewer accidents and diseases, increased work capacity, increased productivity, fewer absences and sick days, increased creativity and innovation, to name a few.

Health promotion in the workplace is a good investment in human resources.