Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The Health Service Executive (HSE) recognise health and wellbeing as a continuum of care for staff throughout their working life. The Workplace Health and Wellbeing (WHW) Division, established in May 2016, aims to raise awareness on the importance of safeguarding health and wellbeing at work by providing supports, tools and information that encourage a healthy working life.
To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary project team developed an effective communication framework highlighting the support services and initiatives available through the services of Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Employee Assistance and Counselling Services and Health Promotion and Improvement, under the WHW Division.
Methods The project team reviewed international and national communication practices for health and wellbeing within the workplace. Throughout the project, the team engaged with key stakeholders and employees to identify what information staff required and how this information should be collated and governed. Using the HSE Change Management framework, agreement was reached on website design, content and promotion.
Result The outcomes of the project included:
the establishment of an online presence for members of WHW and HSE staff
a sustainable communications framework that provides relevant and up-to-date
Information (website/pamphlet):
the foundation for a Community of Practice within WHW to aid future learning
a governance structure for future WHW communications
the collation of information on the WHW services and a communications plan for launch of resources
Discussion A key factor in the success of this project was identifying the resources required to meet the needs of our target audience and in the establishment of ‘networks’ to ensure the continuous development of these resources. We foresee this project to be very extremely positive as it will enhance staff engagement with workplace health and wellbeing into the future.