Hōngonui/ July 2023

Nau mai haere mai ki tēnei pānui

Welcome to our WorkWell newsletter that is packed full of seasonal information to support your workplace on your journey to better health and wellbeing. Read about like-minded workplaces and what they are doing to make a difference. We also bring you ideas to help celebrate Matariki, and tips on how to plan for an emergency.

Celebrating Matariki in the Workplace

Matariki is celebrated annually from late June/ early July to celebrate the first rising of the Pleiades star cluster. Maramataka, the traditional Māori lunar calendar, was developed as a guide that represents the best time for planting, harvesting, fishing and other activities which are guided by the moon phases. This calendar is also used to mark significant occasions throughout the year, including Matariki.

Matariki is a time for reflection on the year that has passed and acknowledging any loved ones that may have died. It is also a celebration of the year to come and an opportunity to give thanks for everything you are grateful for. It is a time for colleagues, whānau and friends to get together and enjoy this festive day in their own unique way.

Ideas to celebrate Matariki in your workplace:

Have a hui to celebrate some of your achievements over the last 12 months and set some goals for the year ahead.
Organise a collection for a local foodbank.
Have a Matariki feast – everyone can bring kai to share.
Introduce more te reo Māori in your workplace starting with some name labelling of things in your area like furniture, kitchen (kīhini), toilets (wharepaku).
Encourage staff to share their own celebrations for Matariki.
Its cool to kōrero! Support staff to give it a go and speak reo at work from greetings like “Kia ora” to goodbye “haere rā”

Sandford Seafoods Timaru is Shining Bright in the South

Sanford Timaru WorkWell recently achieved Gold Maintenace Accreditation for their programme “SanWell”. Sanford Wellbeing lead Grant Day reflects on how the programme has supported staff since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"SanWell gave us the mandate to look after people’s wellbeing which encapsulated our people at the core of what we do. We had to change the way we interacted with each other, and mental health was a big focus. Communication was important and we made sure our people and their families were looked after even mowing lawns if needed. Management led by example and would always be at work…being in it together, is what we do!"

Staff engagement has always been a top priority for the SanWell programme. Their high staff survey response rate was a direct reflection of this.

Sanford extensively promoted the survey and allowed staff to complete it in work hours.

Through the SanWell programme, health and wellbeing has been well embedded in the culture of Sanford. The diversity of the working group has meant that everyone has had the opportunity to be involved and heard. The SanWell programme supports staff led initiatives which has resulted in a happier and healthier workplace for all to enjoy.

Winter is here

Stop the spread of sickness in your workplace

With winter upon us, it's a good time to remind your colleagues of the importance of good hygiene to stop the spread of germs and the flu in the workplace. Washing and drying your hands properly is one of the best ways of protecting yourself against the spread of germs. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or an alcohol-based rub. Drying hands well is important too.

Wash and dry hands:
- before preparing food and eating
- after coughing or sneezing, blowing noses, wiping children’s noses, visiting the toilet, or looking after sick people.
Keep your coughs and sneezes covered. Put tissues straight into a covered, lined rubbish bin or a plastic bag.
Try to stay a metre away from sick people to reduce the spread of germs. If staff are unwell strongly encourage them to stay home.
Remind staff that if they are unwell and need personal advice it is available. Call Healthline 0800 611 116.
Now is a good time to review the sickness policy.

For more information check out the infection control priority wellbeing area on our WorkWell website.

Emergency Planning in your Workplace

The extreme weather events around the country this year have highlighted the need for workplaces to revisit or develop their business continuity and emergency plans. Planning for the unexpected improves the likelihood that your business will survive in the event of an emergency – helping to protect your business and keep your people safe.

A closer look

A business continuity plan is how a business will continue to operate during an unplanned event/disruption in service. Things to consider in the plan include roles and responsibilities, communication, risks, and potential impact on business, testing and training.
An emergency plan has designated roles and actions employers and employees must take to reduce risk of harm and safety.

It also helps a business to continue trading through adversity. The plan should include individual contacts, evacuation routes, communication procedures and how to mitigate risk to your people and facilities.

Visit www.business.govt.nz to learn more about continuity and emergency planning and use their step-by-step guide to get your plan sorted.

News and Research

Climate Action Toolbox

The Climate Action Toolbox is a free, easy-to-use online tool that shows you how to measure and reduce emissions in your workplace. It focuses on five key areas – transport (moving people and goods), office operations, site operations and equipment, and the design and making of products.

The toolbox identifies priority action areas based on your business type and core activities. It provides tailored advice and support that includes: