icare program promotes healthy workers

Insurance and Care NSW (icare) has invested $3.5 million in the Get Healthy at Work program, aiming to promote wellbeing in NSW workplaces.

Public sector employees can now receive free, confidential face-to-face health checks, as well as access to workplace health programs and other lifestyle advice.

“The Get Healthy at Work program has been a resounding success in the private sector, and with icare’s investment, the public sector will also benefit,” said icare CEO Vivek Bhatia.

“Healthier workers are more resilient in the event of injury, accident or illness, meaning an increased likelihood that workers will be able to return to work safely.

“The evidence shows a return on investment of $3–$6 for every dollar invested in effective workplace health and wellbeing programs.”

Employees and employers are able to use the results of the program health checks to identify a priority health issue and initiate a targeted Workplace Health Program to address it.

Get Healthy at Work is supported by NSW Health’s Make Healthy Normal social marketing campaign which encourages individuals to reassess their lifestyle choices and create a new, healthy normal.

“One in three working-age Australians has a chronic illness and more than half of NSW adults are overweight or obese,” said Bhatia.

“This is a fantastic program which supports cultural change and healthy lifestyles.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Kaspars Grinvalds