Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/683412
14 MBiz | may 2016 204-326-1126 • 1-877-486-3371 415 Hwy. 12 North, Steinbach • www.vogtbuilding.com From Design To Final Finishing Ready-To-Move & Onsite Projects Identified as one of the MCC's top strategic initiatives, health care is a top priority for our province's business community. A strong, sustainable health-care system benefits both the citizens of Manitoba and the businesses that employ them and help grow our economy and the communities in which we live, work and play. A healthier population leads to a more productive workforce and reduces health-care costs to the government, which in turn can allocate funds to other areas that have a greater impact on the economy. For this reason, the MCC is taking a long-term approach to this important area. In November of 2013, Wellness Works was introduced by the Government of Manitoba in partnership with MCC. The program is directly aimed at building healthy workplaces. In its first two years, over 60 Manitoba companies (including MCC) have joined the program. In 2016, our goal is to reach 100 companies through the Healthy Workplace Challenge. One of the 60 companies to sign on was the University of Manitoba (UM). MBiz recently spoke with Arlana Vadnais, Employee Wellness Specialist & Interim Campus Mental Health Facilitator, about the UM's engagement with the program. What led your company to join the program? A partnership with Wellness Works seemed to be an excellent fit as the University of Manitoba is committed to being an employer of first choice … and already has commitments in many areas addressed by the program. Success Through Wellness, the UM's Mental Health Strategy, also recognizes that part of being such an employer includes the need for a sustained focus on the connection between health and wellness and academic or career success. In addition to fostering a positive work environment and encouraging healthy work/life balance for our employees, the UM is actively seeking to explore creative ways to enhance the focus on workplace health and wellbeing. HEALTHY WORKPLACE CHALLENGE 2016 HEALTHY WORKPLACE CHALLENGE 2016