Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
222. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to examine action that can be taken to highlight the importance of physical movement in the workplace environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51498/23]
View answerImproving the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland is central to the work of Government. The vision for Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health is where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level in society.
To achieve this, a whole of society approach is required and it is widely acknowledged at international level that the workplace is an ideal setting to promote employee health and wellbeing, providing multiple benefits to employees and employers, as well as broader social and economic gains.
Given the dimension and complexity of workplace health, a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary approach was required. The National Framework for Healthy Workplaces was developed by a sub-group co-chaired by the Department of Health and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation with the support of the Institute of Public Health and key stakeholders and was launched in December 2021.
The Framework is underpinned by robust evidence and consultation, and provides strategic direction and flexible guidance that can be adapted to any workplace to help create and sustain health and wellbeing among the workforce. It integrates existing laws and policies and aligns with other government strategies on issues like reducing injuries and ill-health, promoting active travel and positive mental health.
The Healthy Workplace website, launched in May 2023 provides content on workplace related health and wellbeing as well as interactive tools to support workplaces to deliver and evaluate wellbeing interventions in their organisations. Specific universal information for workplaces in relation to increasing opportunities for physical activity in the workplace is included in a dedicated “physical” wellbeing area. This includes initiatives to support both employers and employees at both organisational and individual levels. The website is available at healthyworkplace.ie/.
