Workwise achieves WorkWell bronze accreditation

Media release
20 February, 2012

An employment agency supporting people with experience of mental illness has been awarded a bronze accreditation in the WorkWell workplace wellness management programme.

Workwise is a specialist employment agency for people with experience of mental illness or addiction. Workwise is part of the Wise Group, New Zealand’s largest non-government provider of mental health services. Research shows that that having a paid job is a key part of helping people get well, and stay well. In Rotorua, Workwise employs eight people and is currently supporting almost 100 clients.

As well as Rotorua, Workwise operates in Taranaki, South and Central Auckland, Wellington, Wairarapa and Christchurch. Workwise staff are skilled in mental health and employment, and support up to 2000 people each year to find lasting and meaningful employment.

The WorkWell programme which awarded the bronze accredication is delivered by Toi Te Ora, the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board’s Public Health Service. The programme helps businesses put in place simple strategies for managing employee wellbeing by focusing on the impact of the working environment and organisational systems.

Workwise chief executive Warren Elwin said Workwise “practiced what it preached” in that, its parent organisation, the  Wise Group, proactively works to provide a positive work environment for its 900-plus  employees.  Work-life balance is encouraged and staff wellbeing is a priority.

“The Workwise Rotorua team is extremely proud of achieving bronze accreditation in the WorkWell programme, and is aiming to achieve silver and gold in future,” Mr Elwin said.

“We believe that healthy and happy employees create a more productive workplace. It’s fantastic to see Workwise employees using a range of techniques to maintain their wellbeing. It’s also great that we are role modelling these techniques to the people who use Workwise services.”

The WorkWell programme was launched in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board region in March 2010. Today the programme is supporting the wellbeing of more than 10,000 employees across the region, with 57 businesses registered from a range of industries.

For further information:
Jeanette Tyrrell
Group communication manager
027 507 7599
jeanette.tyrrell@wisegroup.co.nz