Interview with Elvera Liebenberg, Chief Human Resources Officer, TLC Healthcare Australia

What does it mean to you to be a Global Healthy Workplace Awards winner?

We are tremendously honoured to have received this award in the large employer category. We have a relentless focus on creating a healthy workplace and culture for our people. We achieve this by embracing our values of innovation and excellence, with continuous improvement in the DNA of our company.

What do you think are the particular strengths of your program?

Our program has become a significant driver of engagement at TLC. As Executive and HR teams, we use every day and targeted communications in addition to our TLC Wellbeing app (self-developed) to ensure a well-rounded, inclusive program.

We have 3 Ambassadors per site, which helps to drive the programs locally. These ambassadors self-elect to participate, and to ensure their continuous engagement and effectively driving the program  on the ground, we enlist a reward system which provides ways for the business to say ‘thank you’.

Research indicates our employees love the activities and interaction. They know when they provide feedback on how we can improve, it is taken on board.

Where do you see the main challenges of creating a healthy workplace?

Most HR / PC teams would say time and resources are a constant challenge. The programs take a significant commitment to both. To deliver a program well, you it is incumbent on us to leverage the initial investment, and build upon it from year to year. Another challenge is keeping the program fresh. We do this by listening to our people and refining our program year after year.

What advice would you give to an employer thinking of developing or advancing a healthy workplace strategy?

Consideration should be given to how you reach and engage your whole workforce for maximum impact and engagement. Make sure your program is fun and relevant, and not something that is arduous to participate in. Remove as many barriers from people getting involved as possible. And ask for feedback. Don’t assume you know what your employees want. Take an agile approach, and make it your own with each reiteration.

What did you take away from the 2023 Global Healthy Workplace Summit?

The quality of the programs of the other finalists were particularly impressive. Clearly a lot of passion and dedication goes into each and every program. The key takeaway for TLC is to continue to work on creating a healthy, safe and productive workforce, inspired by the mission of the GCHW. This in turn will help us to fulfil our mission of being leaders in innovative and integrated healthcare renowned for providing wellbeing to our communities.

 

View TLC Healthcare’s Profile and Awards presentation

Learn more about the 2023 Global Summit

Learn more about the Global Awards