Health and wellbeing

Fact sheets

Flinders University is committed to building and maintaining a work environment that supports a holistic approach to safety, health & wellbeing aimed at increasing staff knowledge and awareness of health and wellbeing issues and healthy lifestyle choices and behaviours.

Health and wellbeing objective

The objective of the health & wellbeing program is to provide a range of activities that addresses both physical and mental health of staff, with the desire to improve individuals’ overall health and wellbeing choices. The University will aim to provide opportunities to its staff to help them to achieve productive, engaged and healthy lifestyles that result in positive outcomes for our work force and our community.

In conjunction with BUPA with whom the University has a health insurance partnership, they will assist in the delivery of the health and wellness programs with a work health model that is holistic and encompasses the four main focus areas;

Healthier bodies – Support across managing lifestyles and risk behaviours, medical conditions and health management
Healthier minds – Support across stress management, personal resilience and healthy behaviours
Healthier culture – Support in creating healthy leadership, providing health benefits and social support
Healthier places – support by providing a safe and health enabling working environment

Health and wellbeing calendar

A 2020 calendar of events has been developed by the University. These will be implemented in a way that supports staff health, wellbeing and safety.

Month	2020 proposed initiatives	Activities	Provider/resource
February	Cancer awareness	TBA
February	Sun smart	Skin checks	Bupa
March	Financial wellbeing	Series of seminars to commence in March	UniSuper
March	Mental health	Seminar	College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
April	Cold and flu prevention	Flu vaccinations	Bupa
May	General health	Stand up, sit less, move more activity	BeUpstanding
May	Exercise and fitness	Dance series	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
June	Wellbeing	Addiction information session	NCETA
July	Juleye	Vision screening	Flinders University in conjunction with optometry students
August	Mental health	Mental health seminar TBA	TBA
August	Exercise and fitness	Flinders Cup	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
September	Exercise and fitness	Active challenge	Bupa
October	Safe Work Week	HSR morning tea	Flinders University
October	Exercise and fitness	Ride to work	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
October	Exercise and fitness	Fun run	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
November	Sun smart	Skin check	Bupa
November	Exercise and fitness	Yoga series	Flinders University Sport and Fitness
December	Joy of giving	Donating to charity	Flinders University

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Scheduled activities will be promoted in Flinders in Touch (FIT)

Activities will be offered in conjunction with external providers such as other health organisation and regulatory bodies ie SafeWork SA , Heart Foundation.

Other resources and initiatives

Employee Health Plan

Flinders University employees can become a member of the BUPA/Flinders University Employee Health Plan and receive a range of benefits including discounts on their health insurance.

Flinders University health plan provides access to a range of health and wellness services as well as great corporate discounts to help you live a longer, healthier, happier life.

For more information please consult the Employee Health Plan.

Professional Staff Development Unit (PDU)

PDU run a number of session throughout the year that cover a range a mental health topics including Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person. Enrolment and dates of training can be found on the Professional Development Unit.

Sports and fitness facilities

Physical fitness is also important not only in the workplace but in general life too. Fitness isn't just about weight - it is also a measure of flexiblity, balance, strength, agility and stamina too. If you don't like running or walking, activities like Tai Chi and Yoga help build strength and improve flexibility and are great for raising your overall level of fitness.

Aim to do at least 30 mins of physical activity 3 to 5 times a week. If you don't normally exercise gradually build up you exercise over time.

There are many ways to keep active on campus:

Join the on-campus Sport and Fitness centre
Ride to work
Go for a regular walk - the Bedford Park campus has extensive walking tracks and wonderful views, flora and fauna to enjoy while you are walking. Why not walk around the lake at lunchtime, or through the pine forest? Remember to wear a hat and sunscreen, and take some water, in warm weather. See the campus map for walking tracks
Take the stairs instead of the lift.

Explore members at Flinders University sports centre located at Bedford Park, staffed by fully qualified trainers. Cost for sessions start as low as $5 per. Wellness programs are provided and are either free or cheap. Activities include Zumba, Yoga & Boot Camp.

Various other fitness sessions are available at very affordable prices.

Keeping your mind and body healthy

Health and wellbeing are important parts of work health and safety. Keeping your mind and body healthy reduces the likelihood of stress related injury and illness.

Ergonomics and physical comfort - Making sure your workstation is set up correctly reduces your risk of workplace injury
Managing your time - Learning to manage your time effectivly can reduce stress and reduces risk of stress related injury and illness.
Career development - Having career goals as well as making sure you have interesting and challenging work to do in your current role can help improve mental health.

Mental health during COVID-19

Please find these helpful resources below:

Be Well Plan – an online mental health resource developed by Flinders University’s Orama Institute and SAHMRI. Currently free of charge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head to Health: Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources including Covid-19 support.
SuperFriend: SuperFriend has curated the following resources to use through this difficult period to allow us to help others within the workforce who might need support at this time.
SA Health - mental health virtual support during COVID-19
Beyond Blue - Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service