Getting the wellness message out to McMaster University employees is what Wanda McKenna does best.

Even a small amount of funding for employee health promotion can add “tremendous value over the long term,” says Wanda McKenna, manager, employee work-life support services (EWLSS), McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

McKenna, who is a member of the Canadian Healthy Workplace Council, a coalition of organizations and health practitioners promoting workplace wellness, is the winner of the Employee Education category in the Who’s Who in Workplace Health Awards. She is credited for promoting comprehensive, integrated approaches to on-the-job wellness, and establishing the Healthy Workplace Group in 2002 at McMaster University. The group, which she chairs, is tasked with empowering McMaster’s 7,300 employees to make positive health and lifestyle choices. It does this through monthly health flyers, lunchtime fitness classes, a seasonal walking club, as well as an employee educator, who gives monthly seminars and workshops on various health topics.

“We take a more holistic approach to managing the health of our employees,” McKenna says. “And to make sure we’re having as much impact as possible — with little financial requirements — we’ve come up with innovative, creative communications strategies.”

McKenna says when employees feel empowered and valued in the workplace, they are healthier — physically and mentally. And healthier employees miss work less often, are more productive and have higher overall morale, she says.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to look after their own health and wellness,” she says. “But employers should provide staff members with options to make sure everyone is leading a healthier lifestyle.”

Described by colleagues as having a “contagious passion” for employee welfare, McKenna is known for readily rolling up her sleeves to provide strategic leadership on employee health matters and staff support.

Debra Kigar, a research assistant in the neurosciences lab, has long sought McKenna’s advice on how to help employees cope with health and work issues. Kigar is a member of the Healthy Workplace Group and a Canadian Auto Workers Union steward serving the school’s faculty of health sciences. She is also a volunteer campus fitness instructor.

“Wanda has been instrumental in vastly increasing the wellness of employees at McMaster,” she says. “Five years ago, if you asked someone on campus if they heard of the Healthy Workplace Group, few people would have said ‘yes.’ The fact that McMaster employees now know better is an indication that the message is getting out there and people are beginning to think about wellness in their own circles on campus.”

“Wanda has given me great confidence in the senior management team here. Without EWLSS’s caring atmosphere and compassionate practices, this would be a much different place to work,” says Kigar.

McMaster University prides itself on having many longterm employees and the university is increasingly being recognized by other post-secondary institutions and employers for its healthy workplace initiatives, McKenna says.

“At the end of the day, we’re encouraging individuals to take small, positive steps toward their health and wellness,” McKenna says. “We value our staff. We want them in the workplace. And we want this to be a great place to work.”

For a PDF version of this article, click here.

© Copyright 2007 Rogers Publishing Ltd. This article first appeared in the October 2007 edition of WORKING WELL magazine.