Content Map Terms
The organizational culture of a workplace has an influence on employee health. The "culture" of a workplace includes psychosocial aspects such as leadership style, management practices, the way in which work is organized, employee autonomy and control, and social support.

A positive work culture with mutual trust and respect will bring out the best in employees. A workplace with sound beliefs, values and attitudes will help support your workplace wellness program.
"My employees are people first. They have different needs and they have a life outside of work. As their boss I have to be flexible and support them and go the extra mile if I am to expect the same thing in return." - Amy Stiles, restaurant owner
Click the tabs for steps you can take.
Create a policy that supports a positive workplace culture. This could include:
- Building trust and demonstrating trust behaviours
- Acknowledging worker health in your corporate statement
- Committing to a balance of work, personal and family responsibilities
- Ensure workers know about the policy and include it in new employee orientation
- Download the booklet Influencing the Organizational Environment to Create Healthy Workplaces
- See the "organizational health" section on page 9 of the booklet Healthy Work Environments: A competitive advantage in today’s economy and labour market
- Consider the 10 Policies Every Employer Needs, as recommended by HR Voice
- Visit Healthy Workplaces and sign up for the self-serve program to access the Healthy Minds Module or download a sample Respectful Workplace Policy
- Offer workshops, lunch & learn sessions and training in trust building for managers and employees
- Offer support for dealing with significant change in management, downsizing, or changes in working conditions
- Train supervisors in communication and leadership skills
- Use mutual respect as the basis for all workplace relationships
- Monitor and discourage unpaid overtime; reallocate work to reduce workload
- Learn about flexible schedules and work hours, and provide them where possible
- Ask for input on workplace culture through discussions and surveys