Active Workplace Kensington Hospital have really excelled in leading the way, prioritising wellness for their staff over the last year. They will soon graduate from the Active Workplaces Programme.

How? Well firstly the team asked the question “What do staff value in workplace wellness?” They went on to listen to the staff and then produced sustainable initiatives in a variety of areas based on the answers.

A key point in the success of the wellness plan is the variety of initiatives offered, as staff asked for support around not only activity and nutrition but also mental wellbeing, giving back and general health.

Mole and melanoma skin checks are a popular general health option that has been offered.  Other initiatives included staff participating in educational opportunities with a focus on mental wellbeing - highlighting positive thinking, meditation, self-empowerment, nutrition and connecting back to nature through walking and movement.

Team building and movement came into the fore front with the Active Workplaces StepTember Challenge, creating some healthy competition! Over 40 staff competed against other Active Workplaces over the month of September and also challenged each other.

They upped their game, attending the gym, walking at lunchtime and weekend walks where whānau became involved too.

So, where to next for Kensington Hospital? Management are continuing to lead, supporting wellness, still asking that important question of staff – “What would you like to see in regard to wellness?” as they continue to move forward and build onto their inhouse wellness programme in sustainable ways.