Questions for Leaders: Organizational Health Norms and Values

Sometimes, the workplace norms and values conflict with those of the individual. An example of this would be when someone takes a full 45 minutes for lunch to go for a jog but the rest of the staff, including the leader, works through the lunch hour on a regular basis.

In the context of this example, leaders should consider these questions:

What message does this send to the employee who takes regular breaks and the group that does not?
What potential conflict could occur and how would that impact individual health practices?
What are the workplace norms around fitness, wellness, illness?
How do co-workers and leaders respond when someone is ill?
Do you perceive any conflicting health norms and values between the organization and individuals?

ASEBP is a resource for leaders on understanding and influencing organizational health norms and values. ASEBP offers an Administrators’ Health Guide and a one- hour presentation to discuss this topic. The goal of this information is to help leaders determine their role in specific individual health issues.

Further information relevant to leaders and organizations is the new legislation regarding the protection of personal and confidential information. In Alberta, this is Bill 44, commonly known as PIPA and it is especially relevant to employers in terms of employee health information. For further information please see the following resources: