Press release
Minister Frank Feighan launches National Healthy Workplace Framework
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan TD has today launched the Healthy Workplace Framework which aims to support the growth of effective approaches to enhance health and wellbeing in the workplace.
This Framework is a key milestone for workplace wellbeing in Ireland and provides strategic direction for workplaces to enhance the health and wellbeing of all workers both within public and private sectors.
Minister Feighan said:
“A healthy workplace has benefits for employers, employees and the whole of society and this Framework challenges organisations to consider the social, cultural and environmental conditions necessary to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace.
“While COVID-19 presented many challenges for workplaces the wellbeing of employees became a priority for many organisations and there is now an opportunity to embed health and wellbeing into the culture of all workplaces.”
The Framework is underpinned by robust evidence and consultation and was supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other government departments. It highlights the need for leadership and management support as well as staff engagement when planning and implementing a healthy workplace.
Tom James, Head of Health and Wellbeing at the Department of Health said:
“I welcome the Healthy Workplace Framework and want to acknowledge the positive work that is happening in many organisations across the country. The settings approach to improve health and wellbeing is a critical component of the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan and workplaces have a key role to play in improving the health of the population.
“The contribution of all the stakeholders in the development of this Framework has been invaluable and in particular the support of the Institute of Public Health.”
In early 2022, an Implementation Group will be established in to oversee the roll-out of the Healthy Workplace Framework. Additionally, a Healthy Workplace website will be launched to provide content on health and wellbeing as well as interactive tools to support workplaces deliver and evaluate wellbeing interventions.
The Healthy Ireland Framework is available at: [external-link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/445a4a-healthy-workplace-framework/ ]