Early in my career I worked at a large insurance company in Hartford, CT with 1,800 employees in the home office. The company provided a comprehensive benefits program, but also offered numerous amenities such as an on-site cafeteria, workout and locker rooms, squash courts and even an eight-lane bowling alley. There were golf and volleyball leagues, and a citywide insurance tennis league. The company also sponsored a national marketing campaign called "Run for Your Life" that promoted running for health, with Olympic Marathoner Frank Shorter as the spokesperson. There was an on-site health clinic staffed by a nurse and a dental hygienist. The awareness and benefits of good health were visibly promoted throughout the company.

This company exemplified creating a work environment that encourages and supports healthy lifestyles. There are three basic tenets that create a healthy workplace:
·      Health and Safety
·      Culture and Social Environment
·      Lifestyle Practices of Employees

When we think about health and safety, we generally think about an environment that will not inhibit our health.  The topics that are typically addressed here include air and noise quality, including a smoke-free environment, physical safety such as lifting practices and ergonomics, and exposure to toxic substances. Many of these elements are regulated by organizations such as OSHA. Most business address these considerations out of general concern for their employees

The culture and social environment "comprises the norms and values that govern the behaviors of workers at all levels"[1]. They address the social needs of individuals, such as feeling of belonging; motivational factors such as purpose and mission; and sense of control such as freedom from harassment. The culture of a workplace can either support or be damaging to an employee's health. For example, a culture that supports long hours with few breaks does not promote healthy living.

Workplaces that support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices  create awareness by offering educational opportunities, such as self-care information, health risk assessments, and programs on health topics. Programs that focus on individual behavior change support changes such as weight management, smoking cessation, stress reduction or increasing physical activity, teach skills that assist individuals in making the desired change. The workplace is a natural place for these types of programs because of the inherent social support structure the workplace provides.

How healthy is your workplace? Are there small changes that can be made that would begin to create a culture of health?