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 Trying
to create a balance between work, personal
and family life is an ongoing challengefor
workers today. There is mounting
evidence to suggest that workers are experiencing
increased levels of stress in the
workplace. According to the National Wellness
Survey Report 2000, more than 83
per cent of companies cite stress as a major
health risk for their organization. So…how
do we achieve a balance? The Region of Peel
has recognized the challenges employees
face, and is committed to providing a healthy,
supportive and productive environment through
the Wellness at Peel Program.
Wellness at Peel, formerly known
as the Healthy Workplace program, was officially
launched in May 2001. This program is divided
into three elements that include the social
environment, such as organizational culture;
the physical work environment; and the personal
health habits of employees, such as eating
a balanced diet.
 Judy
Morgan, Healthy Workplace Co-ordinator,
explains: "Wellness at Peel offers
physical and mental rewards to employees,
and benefits the Region as well. Studies
have shown that a solid wellness program
like the one evolving at the Region of Peel
improves job satisfaction, employee morale
and job productivity."
Approximately 15 million Canadians
spend more than one half of their waking
hours at work. Many of us spend our day
sitting behind a desk or a steering wheel.
According to Health Canada, inactivity is
as dangerous to our health as smoking. Physical
activity can help maintain a healthy weight,
which reduces the risk of heart disease,
Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Active living is a key condition
for health and well-being. Physical activity
is one approach in protecting and enhancing
our health. Through Wellness at Peel, programs
are being developed now and in the future
to help employees build upon their own efforts
to create their own individual wellness
program. Meditation and Tai Chi sessions,
walking groups and the HeartMobile program
are just a few of the current offerings.
Wellness at Peel has created an opportunity
for employees to establish a healthy environment
for themselves. Building an environment
that fits your lifestyle will be your own
individual choice.
Creating
a Positive Social Environment
 Meditation
is known to promote relaxation and alleviate
stress and is one of Wellness at Peel program
activities offered to Peel Region employees.
Damian MacSeáin, Education
Co-ordinator, Public Works, offers a mid-week
meditation session at 10 Peel. Damian describes
the advantages this way, "It is not
easy at first, however, you feel good after
doing it. Meditation is a method of decreasing
anxiety and helping the body relax."
Studies on meditation have
also proven that it can reduce pain, enhance
the immune system and decrease the chance
of heart disease and digestive problems.
Creating
a Positive Physical Environment
 Organizing
your workstation can help decrease the amount
of stress that you put on your body. Is
your work environment comfortable? Is your
chair adjusted to the right height? Are
you lifting properly? Creating the right
fit between you, your work area and the
way you work will help reduce stress on
your body and increase your comfort level.
These are the benefits of ergonomics. It
results in greater work efficiency, quality
and job satisfaction.
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Joe
Vassallo, Transhelp Operator,
demonstrates the new ergonomic backrest
that encourages correct seated posture.
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Mike Moniz, Safety
Specialist with Human Resources, explains
"Ergonomics involves designing a work
environment that fits the individual. For
example at Transhelp, we have reduced the
risk of injury to drivers by enhancing bus
seating and layout in new vehicles and by
adding ergonomic backrests to existing buses.
By working together, we customize a more
comfortable and healthy work space for any
employee and their work environment."
Creating
Positive Personal Health Habits
 Lesley
Radman, Technical Analyst with Operations
and Maintenance, Public Works, has been
an avid gardener for the last three years.
Lesley has recently finished a booklet for
the Public Works’ water conservation
program titled "Water-wise Gardens".
"Gardening is a tremendous
stress reliever," Lesley says. "It
gets you outdoors; it is serene and peaceful."
John Church, Purchasing Analyst with
Finance, recognizes that the combination
of fresh air and moderate exercise has both
physical and spiritual benefits. "The
opportunity to be absorbed in a healthy
pastime outside of work and other pressures
of life provides the mental benefits of
relaxation, a chance to slow down and enjoy
nature," John says.
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