Reorganization of employee health services

Health promotion and helping employees return to work are the focus of changes being made to McMaster's Employee Work-Life Support Services (EWLSS).
“For the past few years, we've run a number of programs,” says Wanda McKenna, manager, Employee Work-Life Support Services. “That's given us time to see what employees really want and a chance to refine the programs so that they have the most impact.”
The delivery of health programs for employees will now fall under the EWLSS.
- Employee Healthy Workplace Group which includes volunteers from across campus, will continue to be an important part of the success of McMaster's health promotion efforts
- Employee Health Educator will continue to organize monthly seminars and workshops on various health topics such as fitness and nutrition
- A second return to work specialist has been hired
- EWLSS has contracted the services of an occupational physician and an occupational psychiatrist to provide medical and mental health expertise
- The annual flu shot clinics will be continued in conjunction with the Campus Health Centre
- On campus physician services for employees, which had been provided on a three-year pilot basis, will be discontinued effective April 11, 2005.
The changes in EWLSS and the harmonization of the employee health function under one, central umbrella will allow the University to better meet employee needs in health prevention and early and safe return to work. “These decisions will allow us to maximize our reach and the potential participation of employees across the University in our healthy workplace initiatives,” noted Simon Ouellet, director of Human Resources Operations.
“McMaster believes in making long term investments in our faculty and staff,” says Karen Belaire, vice-president, administration. “Providing a healthy work environment and opportunities for employees to improve their health continues to be a priority. The Campus Health Centre initiated these initiatives over the past few years and we're grateful for its leadership and support.” Such partnerships with the Campus Health Centre and other university departments will continue to be essential to the success of McMaster's healthy workplace initiatives.
McMaster is becoming better recognized among universities and other employers for its healthy workplace initiatives. Last fall, the Healthy Workplace Group received a certificate of recognition from Healthy Living Hamilton and members of the Healthy Workplace Group also serve on Canada's Healthy Workplace Council and Canada's Award for Excellence Executive Committee. A recent external audit also noted that EWLSS's disability management practices are among the top programs among Canadian employers at this time.