Steps To Creating A Healthy Workplace Policy

to develop policies
STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE POLICY
STEP 1
STEP 8
STEP 2
STEP 7
STEP 3
STEP 6
STEP 4
STEP 5
Adapted with permission from THCU at Public Health Ontario,
Developing Health Promotion Policies, March 31, 2004, Page 4.

STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE POLICY
STEP 1 – Identify/Describe/Analyze the Problem
Obtain a detailed understanding of the specific problem. This will be a foundation
for developing clear goals, assessing options, and building support for the policy
among decision makers.
STEP 2 – Assess Readiness for Policy Development
Determine whether to proceed. This decision should be based on whether your
workplace is ready for a specific policy and your organization is ready to lead or
support the process.
STEP 3 – Develop Goals, Objectives and Policy Options
Define clear goals and objectives for the policy change and generate a list of policy
options that you want decision makers to consider.
STEP 4 – Identify Decision Makers and Influences
Decide which decision makers will be the focus of our support-building efforts.
Choosing the wrong people can waste resources and may even jeopardize future
strategies if you approach people at the wrong level or wrong time.
STEP 5 – Build Support for the Policy
Choose channels and vehicles through which to try to persuade decision makers to
proceed with policy development and develop messages that are put forth using
these methods.
STEP 6 – Write and/or Revise the Policy
Define the specific logistical and legal details about a policy. The precise wording
of a policy often dictates whether or not it is passed.
STEP 7 – Implement the Policy
Ensure that all prerequisites are in place for policy implementation and then
implement the policy. Many policies have been retracted upon realizing that
implementation is impractical, too costly, too controversial, or progress toward the
ultimate goal cannot be demonstrated.
STEP 8 – Evaluate and Monitor the Policy
Develop and manage a system for evaluating the long-term effectiveness,
feasibility and support for a policy. Early identification of problems and timely
policy amendments may help avoid full retraction of a policy when implementation
presents challenges. Thorough evaluations will also help to demonstrate
accountability to stakeholders and reduce implementation costs.
Adapted with permission from THCU at Public Health Ontario, The Eight Steps
To Developing A Health Communication Promotion Policy, April 29, 2009.
2479 Workplace Policy_HPRO_OS _june/11