Step 1 - Identify
Let’s start your Total Worker Health® approach by building a strong team with clear direction and leadership support to positively impact workplace well-being.
View a short training on this topic.
Build a team
Let’s consider who should be on your team. A Total Worker Health (TWH) approach is all about including perspectives from multiple work groups and recognizing that each adds value. This increases knowledge about your workplace, improves understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed, and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Champions
A champion is someone who can see the process through and has influence on decision making. Champions need to be organized, able to coordinate efforts, track progress, and help all team members be part of the discussions. Sometimes it helps to have two champions in case someone becomes less available and to support each other’s efforts. The champions are not necessarily the people with the most excitement about the work. They may be in a formal health, safety, workers' compensation or wellness role but that is not needed!
Team members
All or most areas of an organization should have representation on this team, as each will bring different expertise and knowledge about the work. When identifying the challenges and best ways to address concerns, frontline workers need to be heard. Managers should also have a voice on this team. Ideally, team members should have credibility among their peers and be viewed as informal leaders. Highly enthusiastic co-workers make effective team members who can build excitement about the work being done. If your workplace includes unions, volunteers, or other interest groups, each should be welcomed and invited to the table!
Leadership
When company leadership shows their support, these efforts are more likely to be successful. TWH approaches thrive when leadership is willing to walk the talk. Their responsibilities may include finding the funds to support new practices or policies and/or providing workers with the time to try working differently. Leadership from finance, human resources, operations, planning, and other managers or executives may be important people to involve from the beginning.
Purpose
The team should collectively set a purpose statement. Keep a broad perspective of intention. Traditional workplace safety is a start, but a TWH approach stretches to encompass health, mental well-being, stress, hydration, sleep, and homelife stressors.
Resources
Total Worker Health® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Participation by SAIF does not imply endorsement by HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.