Aukaha Kia Kaha – which relates to working together to strengthen bindings – was introduced to staff members last week and will take a grassroots approach to wellbeing at Southern DHB.
“Unlike other wellbeing programmes, Aukaha Kia Kaha is driven by our staff for our staff,” says Southern DHB General Manager Occupational Health and Safety, James Knapp.
“Meaning we want to empower and enable our staff to drive this initiative, and to work together to strengthen wellbeing at Southern DHB.”
The WorkWell-accredited programme will act in two ways: as an overarching framework which will pull together current and future wellbeing initiatives, and as a hub for new wellbeing ideas, with a specific focus on key health areas including mental health, physical activity and eating healthier food.
“We are encouraging all staff to discuss wellbeing at team meetings,” says James. “If a staff member or a team has a wellbeing idea that will have a positive impact on the organisation, they are encouraged to send their ideas through to the Aukaha Kia Kaha Committee – made up of staff from across the organisation – for consideration and endorsement or support.
“No idea is too big or small. For example, we’ve recently approved the installation of picnic tables on the Wakari Hospital site so more staff can enjoy eating their lunch outside. Small changes can have a big impact on our wellbeing, and we’re excited to see what our staff come up with.”
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