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RICHMOND
MUNICIP~LITY OF THE COUNTY OF RICHMOND
WORKPLACE WELLNESS POLICY
Policy Review Notification: January 27, 2020
Policy Review Date:
Approved by Council:
January 20, 2020
February 24, 2020
I certify this to be a true copy of the Workplace Wellness Policy as adopted by the
Municipal Council of Richmond County at a Public Meeting held
Vv , nne Boudreau
~
nicipal Clerk
PURPOSE
The purpose of t~is policy is to encourage, support and offer health related programs that will
assist employees and elected officials in achieving ownership for their physical, mental and
emotional wellbeing, resulting in improving'-the overall health and wellbeing for all employees.
A healthy workplace leads to improved satisfaction and morale, which contributes to a more
effective workplace.
POLICY
Wellness programs are an investment in the Municipality's most valuable asset, the employees.
Studies have shown that employees are more likely to be present and performing well when
they are in optimal physical and psychological health. Employees are also more likely to be
attracted to, remain with, and value an employer that appreciates them.
Municipal wellness programs improve company productivity by:
- Attracting superior quality employees;
- Reducing absenteeism and time lost;
- Enhancing on-the-job performance and decision making; and
- Improving employee morale, resulting in lower turnover.
In addition to enhanced productivity, Municipal wellness programs have been shown to be
effective tools in slowing the growth of health care costs. Selecting healthier alternatives may
Municipality of Richmond County
Workplace Wellness Policy
reduce an employee's chances of suffering from illness. Less illness means employers may
reduce medical plan utilization, thereby reducing medical benefit costs, and in turn increasing
productivity. While medical cost savings· from Municipal wellness programs may be less evident
than productivity gains, research shows that medically high-risk workers are medically high-cost
workers as they use more medical care and generate higher claims costs.
This policy outlines the Municipality's approach to ensuring potential opportunities and
initiatives for employees to practice healthy lifestyles.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this program are to:
1. Improve understanding of workplace issues that impact the health and wellbeing of
municipal employees;
2. Provide a work environment that will support employee health and wellbeing;
3. Build the knowledge, skills and ability of employees to take control over their wellbeing
by helping individuals become actively involved in improving their personal health.
POLICY GUIDELINES
1. The policy applies to all municipal employees.
2. The Municipality of the County of Richmond commits to take a proactive approach to
promoting physical activity and show leadership in the community by implementing a
Wellness Program Policy to encourage its employees to be more physically active.
3.
To facilitate this policy the municipality will:
i.
provide a healthy and safe physical work environment;
ii.
administer program funds annually and provide support for a healthy workplace to
weilness team;
iii.
improve employee access to healthy snack options in the work place by providing
healthy food options during events, meetings, etc;
iv.
commit to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides confidential help
for a wide range of concerns at no cost or minimal costs to the employee.
Municipality of Richmond County
Workplace Wellness Policy
4. To facilitate this policy, the Workplace Wellness Committee, which represents staff, will be
responsible to:
i.
meet regularly to discuss and promote workplace wellness initiatives;
ii.
continually evaluate the success of the program;
- iii.
bring forward amendments as required;
iv.
review any concerns and inquires by staff;
v.
provide annual progress updates to Council.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM RESPONSIBILITES
i.
Keep employees up to date on healthy workpla~e activities and programs;
ii.
Support and encourage employee involvement in the wellness program as a component of
employee involvement in professional development;
iii.
Contribute ideas, opinions and participate in the program, activities, and resources provided
through the wellness program and provide healthy food options for meetings, training and
other events associated with the municipality.
WELLNESS SUBSIDY FUNDING PROGRAM
Employees will be able to purchase eligible wellness products/services (approved by Wellness
Committee) with a repayment plan through payroll deduction. The maximum amount available
for an individual employee is $2,000. The repayment plan will not exceed 36 months. In the
event the employee ceases to be employed by the Municipality, all monies owed under this
program need to be paid immediately.
Workplace Wellness Policy Amendments
Notice Given:
Motion to Adopt:
Amendment Description
Municipality of Richmond County
Workplace Wellness Policy
January 27, 2020
February 24, 2020
Council Approval Date
February 24, 2020