After 18 months work and a lot of fun, Real Life Options has been awarded the Bronze Award from the Scottish Government's Health at Work team, for our efforts in the Healthy Working Lives campaign.
A delighted Emma Couttie, Real Life Options' Human Resources Advisor for Scotland, is seen (left) receiving the award from Dr Andrew Cubie CBE, Chairman of the Healthy Working Lives National Advisory and Advocacy Group.
The Award follows a range of health events and campaigns within the company, focusing on issues including breast cancer, alcohol awareness, smoking cessation and physical activity. A healthy recipe booklet was prepared and 200 copies were sold for 50 pence each, with proceeds going to the Real Life Options Charitable Trust.
Assessment officers reviewed policies and procedures and visited three local offices in Inverurie, Glasgow and Cupar, to speak to staff about the award. The assessment board reviewed the evidence and they were impressed with the amount of work that's gone in. Special thanks go to people who took the time to speak to the assessment officers; as well as to Emma Couttie, who has played a key organising role.
Real Life Options' success depends on the people we employ, so it's important to us to have a healthy and happy workforce, not only to benefit our staff but also the people we support. Key aspects of the Healthy Working Lives campaign include:
- supporting health and safety needs of staff
- promoting healthy eating and physical activity
- supporting staff attendance
- addressing mental health and well-being
- promoting community health and well-being.
This award is a great achievement for Real Life Options, demonstrating our commitment to health in the workplace. We will continue to work hard to maintain the award, which is reviewed after three years. Plans are already afoot for more events in 2010.
Further information on the Healthy Working Lives campaign and award process can be found at http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/
