Health and wellbeing

Fact Sheets

Flinders University is committed to building and maintaining a work environment that supports a holistic approach to safety, health & wellbeing aimed at increasing staff knowledge and awareness of health and wellbeing issues and healthy lifestyle choices and behaviours.

Health and wellbeing objective

The objective of the health & wellbeing program is to provide a range of activities that addresses both physical and mental health of staff, with the desire to improve individuals’ overall health and wellbeing choices. The University will aim to provide opportunities to its staff to help them to achieve productive, engaged and healthy lifestyles that result in positive outcomes for our work force and our community.

In conjunction with BUPA with whom the University has a health insurance partnership, they will assist in the delivery of the health and wellness programs with a work health model that is holistic and encompasses the four main focus areas;

Healthier bodies – Support across managing lifestyles and risk behaviours, medical conditions and health management
Healthier minds – Support across stress management, personal resilience and healthy behaviours
Healthier culture – Support in creating healthy leadership, providing health benefits and social support
Healthier places – support by providing a safe and health enabling working environment

Health & wellbeing calendar

A 2019 calendar of events has been developed by the University. These will be implemented in a way that supports staff health, wellbeing and safety.

Month	2019 proposed initiatives	Activities	Provider/resource
February	Mental health	Mastering stress	Human Psychology
March	Have your say	Health and wellness program survey	Flinders University
April	Cold & flu prevention	Flu vaccinations	Bupa
May	Cancer awareness	Biggest Morning Tea	Cancer Council
June	Healthy You	Health screening	Bupa
July	Juleye	Vision screening	Flinders University in conjunction with Optometry students
August	Mental health	Mental health seminar TBA	Human Psychology
	Exercise & fitness	Flinders Cup	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
September	Exercise & fitness	Pedometer challenge	Bupa
October	Safe work week	HSR morning tea	Flinders University
	Exercise & fitness	Fun run	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
	Safe work week	Safe work seminars	Safework SA
November	Mental health	Mental health seminar TBA	Human Psychology
December	Joy of giving	Donating to charity	Flinders University

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Scheduled activities will be promoted in Flinders in Touch (FIT)

Activities will be offered in conjunction with external providers such as other health organisation and regulatory bodies i.e. SafeWork SA , Heart Foundation.

Other resources and initiatives

Employee Health Plan

Flinders University employees can become a member of the BUPA/Flinders University Employee Health Plan and receive a range of benefits including discounts on their health insurance.

The Flinders University Employee Health Plan provides a range of benefits including:

Access to the BUPA Living Well Program. Living Well provides practical support by covering some of the costs for health related initiatives, first aid courses, nicotine replacement therapy, weight management programs, kids swimming lessons, gym membership fees, Yoga and Pilates courses
Access to Life Skills – provides access to the following online modules - Stress and resilience, work-life balance - positive parenting

Professional Staff Development Unit (PDU)

PDU run a number of session throughout the year that cover a range a mental health topics including Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person. Enrolment and dates of training can be found on the Professional Development Unit.

Sports and fitness facilities

Physical fitness is also important not only in the workplace but in general life too. Fitness isn't just about weight - it is also a measure of flexiblity, balance, strength, agility and stamina too. If you don't like running or walking, activities like Tai Chi and Yoga help build strength and improve flexibility and are great for raising your overall level of fitness.

Aim to do at least 30 mins of physical activity 3 to 5 times a week. If you don't normally exercise gradually build up you exercise over time.

There are many ways to keep active on campus:

Join the on-campus Sport & Fitness centre
Ride to work
Go for a regular walk - the Bedford Park campus has extensive walking tracks and wonderful views, flora and fauna to enjoy while you are walking. Why not walk around the lake at lunchtime, or through the pine forest? Remember to wear a hat and sunscreen, and take some water, in warm weather. See the campus map for walking tracks
Take the stairs instead of the lift.

Explore members at Flinders University sports centre located at Bedford Park, staffed by fully qualified trainers. Cost for sessions start as low as $5 per. Wellness programs are provided and are either free or cheap. Activities include Zumba, Yoga & Boot Camp.

Various other fitness sessions are available at very affordable prices see link below for details: http://www.onesportandfitness.com.au/

Keeping your mind and body healthy

Health and wellbeing are important parts of work health and safety. Keeping your mind and body healthy reduces the likelihood of stress related injury and illness.

Ergonomics and physical comfort - Making sure your workstation is set up correctly reduces your risk of workplace injury
Managing your time - Learning to manage your time effectivly can reduce stress and reduces risk of stress related injury and illness.
Career development - Having career goals as well as making sure you have interesting and challenging work to do in your current role can help improve mental health.

Links to external organisations

Need more information?

Contact Work Health & Safety

08 8201 3024

whs@flinders.edu.au

Fact Sheets