Southland District Health Board Case Study
Stodgy Shunned in Southland
When employees of the Southland District Health Board (DHB) said they wanted healthier food in their cafeteria, management not only listened, they acted.
It was out with the pies, chips and stodgy food (well most of it), and in with salads, sushi, fruit and low-fat options.
As well as healthier choices, the fare now includes more vegetarian and gluten-free options and there's a new catering menu for meetings and functions.
DHB Regional Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Lexie O'Shea, said the new café menu is getting a lot of positive comments, including staff visiting from other DHBs.
Tasty Selection
Communications Officer, Jo Harvey, said one of the bonuses is the variety of food available; she can eat in the café every day without getting bored.
"There is an awesome selection whether you are in a health-conscious mood or want a one-off treat. They cater to every need and have a great variety of healthy snack options," she said.
Revamping the café menu is just one of the changes the DHB has made as part of its mission to promote good health - as an employer as well as a service provider.
Driving Change
Under government initiative NZ Well@Work, employers are being encouraged to lead by example and support employees to eat healthy food and be active. Research has found such workers likely to be healthier, happier and more productive and to take fewer sick days. Messages reinforced in the workplace can also be taken home to families and the wider community.
Driving the change is an in-house working group involving both staff and management. They're guided by the results of a 2008 survey which asked staff what they wanted and needed to support their efforts to live a healthier lifestyle.
All 1400 employees received the questionnaire along with their payslip. Almost 300 responded - about 20 percent of staff.
The key findings were that:
- Only 20 percent of respondents could be classified as physically active (30 minutes of moderate physical exercise that increases the heart rate on most days).
- Just under half said they'd managed 20 minutes of vigorous physical exercise in the last week.
- 17 percent had cycled to work at least once in the week.
- 13 percent had exercised in their lunch/dinner break at least once in the past week.
Team Events Motivate
When asked what their employer could do to help them to adopt healthy habits, a significant number of people said they'd be keen to take part in more organised team events such as fun runs, corporate cycling and rowing challenges. Other popular requests were for more bike racks, showers and subsidised gym membership.
On the nutrition side, the employee survey found fruit and vegetable consumption was quite high and that most people favoured low-fat milk and wholegrain bread. However, a surprising number of people said they didn't eat breakfast.
Taking Healthy Action
Armed with this information, the DHB's newly appointed Healthy Action - Healthy Eating (HEHA) manager set about implementing a policy targeting key areas.
The café menu was changed, a 5+ a day promotion held to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, and people were encouraged to become more physically active.
The DHB now regularly enters teams in corporate events and had a squad in the annual ‘Surf to City' fun run.
Employees are also encouraged to get involved in national promotions such as Bike Wise Month and Sport and Recreation New Zealand's (SPARC's) Push Play campaign.
Regional HEHA manager, Paula Hedges, who's taken over while her predecessor is on maternity leave, says a lot of work has gone into the initiatives and staff have really got behind them.
"Whether it's participating in the Surf to City, or getting involved in implementing the HEHA policy, there is something for everyone," Paula said.
"These initiatives are important for staff health, wellbeing and morale and all the research backs-up the benefits the Southland District Health Board gets by promoting such initiatives in the workplace."
Benefit Analysis
Just what benefits have been gained will be determined by a comprehensive staff survey, to be carried out late in 2009.
However, from a management perspective, Lexie O'Shea says she's already noticed a new buzz around the place.
"People are talking about their physical activities - which wouldn't have happened in the past - and it's fantastic that many groups are entering biking, running and walking events. Great for team building!"
