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County of Lambton
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Point Edward, ON, Canada
N7T 7Z6

phone: (519) 383-8331
fax: (519) 383-7092
toll free: 1-800-667-1839

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Lambton College - An Employer of Choice

Thursday, September 25, 2003 – When it comes to employment, the tables are turning. Today, potential employees research prospective employers to ensure the job fits by offering a balance between work and home life and good health.

Lambton College was quick to realize that to be recognized as an Employer of Choice and attract highly skilled and motivated employees meant going beyond the traditional role. By offering extras, like a healthy workplace program, Lambton not only achieved its hiring goal but is reaping other long-term benefits - decreased absenteeism, improved productivity, better employee relations, improved health, wellness and morale and improved corporate image.

“It’s important that our faculty and staff have opportunities to further their own health, whether it means being provided healthy eating choices in our cafeteria, offering fitness activities, or creating a line-up of speakers that encourage healthy lifestyles. We are pleased to offer a healthy workplace program to our staff as we promote and encourage good health for the benefit of our staff and students” says Tony Hanlon, President, Lambton College.

Creating a healthy workplace program requires short-term goals that raise awareness and develop health-enhancing skills. In fact, that’s just what Lambton College did nearly four years ago. Today, Lambton’s wellness committee is ready to initiate a comprehensive workplace health promotion policy that outlines the employer’s intent to protect and promote the health of all its employees by providing as healthy an environment as possible.

“Healthy policies mean that the employer is making health a part of everyday work life,” says Laura Metcalf, Health Promotion Officer and Healthy Workplace Consultant for the Lambton Community Health Services Department. “When health is ingrained into the culture of the workplace employers begin to see great improvements absenteeism rates, productivity and morale.”

Metcalf comments, “What many people believe is that policy change or implementation decisions belong to upper management and this is not always so. Many policies are established without the involvement of those who are in a position to pass the policy.” Implementing policy is not as difficult as some may assume and is a great way to meet long- term objectives for a company’s healthy workplace program.

Dee Cox, Coordinator for Professional Development/Equity at the College and chair of the wellness committee initiated Lambton College’s policy for their wellness program. Dee worked with Laura Metcalf from Community Health Services to develop a draft policy. This policy went to the College’s wellness committee for input and finally to management for approval.

Policy making begins with one step, often one motivated person to make a difference in the lives of others. Once policy is in place it certainly goes a long way in promoting and protecting the health of your employees and ultimately your business.

Congratulations to Lambton College for being committed to the health of their employees. An employer of choice!

If you would like assistance in establishing healthy workplace policies or programs, call Laura Metcalf at 383-8331, ext. 749 toll free 1-800-667-1839 or by email at laura.metcalf@county-lambton.on.ca. All consultation sessions and resources are free.

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Contact:
Laura Metcalf , BA
Health Promotion Officer
County of Lambton
Community Health Services Department
Telephone: (519) 383-8331 ext. 749
Fax: (519) 383-7092
Email to: Laura Metcalf

Lambton College - An Employer of Choice

HEALTH INFORMATION