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In the interest of improving the health and wellbeing of its staff, and continuing with the high level of emphasis on living a culture of Health and Safety in the workplace, Ruralco is excited to announce it has achieved Bronze accreditation from WorkWell.

Developed by Toi Te Ora Public Health, WorkWell provides practical tailored workplace health and wellbeing support and mentoring, it offers resources, workshops, networking opportunities and recognition through accreditation. WorkWell’s goal is to work better through wellbeing and help create a happier, healthier and more productive workplaces across New Zealand. There are benefits for both staff and employers including: improved health and wellbeing, increased energy and motivation, decreased risk of injury or illness, increased job satisfaction, increased work/life balance, improved resilience, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

The average adult spends approximately 50% of their waking hours at work, and there is a measurable link between a staff member's wellbeing and how productive they are during this time. Many factors within the workplace can impact on staff wellbeing, which makes the workplace an ideal environment for addressing health and wellbeing and promoting healthy habits.

Wellbeing has always been business as usual for Ruralco, however it was historically driven from the top. Ruralco wanted a mechanism to empower its Wellbeing committee and to support them to make a difference. Workwell has done just that. With a three-step bronze, silver and gold accreditation pathway, Ruralco’s bronze accreditation recognises the focus the co-operative is putting into developing a high level of wellbeing for its staff in its goal to achieving an all-round healthy workplace. The team at Ruralco are also already well on their way to achieving silver with their eye firmly on gold!

Ruralco’s Group Manager of People & Capability, Sarah Green said “the WorkWell accreditation program cements our ethos, it formally acknowledges Ruralco’s working policies and practices. Workwell provides us with the opportunity to network/join forces with other likeminded businesses to share successes and to continually evolve the way in which we support our team in the workplace.”

WorkWell is a free initiative for businesses and has become part of Ruralco’s broader wellbeing strategy. “For businesses starting out on their wellbeing journey, WorkWell is ideal it provides a strong framework and the support to succeed. It has enabled our committee to feel empowered to make a difference,” says Sarah.

For further information on WorkWell visit: www.workwell.health.nz/workwell_accreditation