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2023.10.12

Taking Action Together for a Healthier Future at Work: Explore the Groupe entreprises en santé Awards of Distinction 

By Ciro Jaen Paniza

In today’s dynamic business landscape, companies that pay close attention to the health and well-being of their employees stand out for visionary and committed leadership. As a company that promotes a healthy and supportive work environment, Brio was recently honoured by receiving one of the prestigious Prix Distinction Groupe Entreprises en santé. This recognition is a testament to Brio’s commitment to promoting workplace health and wellness (WHS), while also serving as an inspiration for other companies to adopt similar practices.

The foundations of the Distinction Awards

The Distinction Awards, an annual event organized by the Groupe entreprise en santé, provide a platform of excellence for leaders who place health and well-being at the heart of their business strategy. This event recognizes organizations that are committed to creating work environments that support health and wellness, and that demonstrate exemplary leadership in this area. Candidates are evaluated by a jury based on rigorous criteria in six categories:

  • Manufacturing organizations
  • Service Organizations
  • Public/parapublic sector organizations
  • Health, Wellness & Psychological Safety
  • Innovation
  • Organizations outside Quebec

Numerous leading small, medium and large companies have been rewarded since the creation of the event in 2013.

The importance of being a nominee for the Distinction Awards

The benefits of the Groupe entreprise en santé Distinction Awards are not limited to the category winners and the recognition they receive. The nomination process provides an opportunity for organizations of all sizes to build their credibility when it comes to OHW. Nomination allows a company to share their achievements with a wide audience, celebrate the people involved in these initiatives, and encourage other companies to get involved in the promotion of workplace health. Submitting your candidacy for the Distinction Awards has several advantages:

  • Raise the recognition and credibility of its actions in the field of OHW
  • Share your accomplishments and encourage others to get involved
  • Receive constructive feedback on your workplace health and wellness initiatives and practices
  • Increase your company’s visibility within the Healthy Business Group community
  • Recognize the work and leadership of key individuals within your organization

The nomination for the Distinction Awards is therefore an invaluable resource for the continuous improvement of your company.

The concept of health and well-being at work

Since its founding, the Groupe entreprises en santé has been a pioneer in the field of workplace health and well-being (OHW). The OHW is an approach that encompasses a series of actions to improve the overall health of employees. It is based on several essential pillars, including healthy lifestyles, managing work-life balance, supportive management practices, and creating a work environment that promotes physical, mental, and social health.

This integrated approach recognizes that health is not limited to the absence of disease, but also encompasses physical, mental, social and sometimes spiritual well-being. The OHW aims to create optimal conditions for employee well-being, incorporating elements such as promoting healthy living, stress management, work-life balance, and creating a company culture that values health and wellness.

Groupe entreprises en santé : Pioneer of OHW in Quebec

The Groupe entreprises en santé, founded in 2004 by Roger Bertrand, former Quebec Minister of Prevention, plays an essential role in promoting health and well-being in the workplace. The organization has become a reference in the field of OHW in Quebec. Its origin stems from a growing concern about the exponential costs of health care in the government and private budget.

The organization’s initial goal was to convince businesses of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of OHW programs. It was created with a deep conviction in favour of prevention, aimed at promoting the health of workers, strengthening the competitiveness of businesses, and promoting the economic vitality of Quebec.

Over the years, the organization has continued to develop its services to meet the specific needs of businesses of different sizes and industries. It is the initiator of the Quebec and Canadian Healthy Enterprise standard, a reference framework for healthy companies and workplace well-being. In 2012, the organization evolved into the Groupe entreprises en santé we know today.

Groupe entreprises en santé : The Terms of Reference

The mission of the Groupe entreprises en santé is to contribute to economic and societal development by promoting healthy work environments. The non-profit organization offers a full range of services to its members to support them in their quest for excellence in workplace health and well-being. The group offers support at all levels to equip and guide businesses. A la carte training is available for employers, managers, HR specialists and employees. The organization also offers on-the-job training for all OHW projects.

Through this innovative pathway, the group became the reference for OHW in Quebec. One of the most valuable resources offered by the organization is its Centre de Références. This online platform offers a multitude of tools to help member and non-member companies to initiate and strengthen their OHW initiatives. Practical tools for implementing wellness projects, partner resources, inspirational articles, and real-life examples of committed companies are at hand for companies looking to create positive change.

The group also provides access from its website to its Magazine, a source of information rich in inspiring content. It highlights best practices, success stories, and innovations in OHW. The magazine provides a space to share testimonials from companies that have successfully created work environments that promote health and wellness.

Finally, the Inspiration section Inspiration of Groupe entreprise en santé website offers the opportunity to browse a wide range of articles presenting winners, members and testimonials.

Conclusion

The awarding of the Distinction Award to Brio reflects our commitment to health and well-being in the workplace. This recognition encourages us to continue our approach, while inviting other organizations to join us in this noble endeavour. By increasing awareness of the Groupe entreprises en santé, our goal is to inspire and encourage other companies to embark on this beautiful path.

Beyond recognition, it is the continuous commitment to the overall health of employees that drives economic growth and contributes to building a more balanced and sustainable professional future.

By Ciro Jaen Paniza

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