Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC)

Workplace Profile

The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) is an iconic Western Australian organisation with a history spanning more than 115 years. The diverse organisation supports more than 1.1 million members and employs a diverse workforce – from mechanics and roadside assistance patrols, to office workers and member-facing staff. As a purpose-led member organisation, RAC gives back to Western Australians by reinvesting profits into the community. RAC is committed to making life better in WA and working towards a safer, sustainable and connected future.

Health and Wellbeing Profile 

RAC's workplace health and wellbeing program, titled Boost, is coordinated by a Health and Wellness Consultant and supported by a Wellness Coordinator and a network of Boost Champions. The Boost program focuses on long-term behaviour change through their four pillars; Move Well, Eat Well, Think Well and Live Well. 

Planning

RAC's Boost program has been running since 2002. Since this time the program has grown and evolved into a comprehensive program targeting smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity and mental health. The Boost program is embedded in the organisation's Health and Safety Strategic Plan and ensures that senior leaders across the organisation support health and wellness strategies.  

Health and wellness staff have undertaken HWWA Coordinator Training and staff consultation is carried out using the network of Boost Champions who are responsible for promoting program activities to staff teams and departments. There are currently 39 champions across the organisation, including regional Member Service Centres, Auto Service Centres and Roadside Patrols.

"Another key to the success of the Boost program is the growing network of Boost Champions. These are volunteers that have a passion for health and wellness and assist in promoting initiatives across our large organisation." says the Health and Wellness Consultant.

Boost activities are promoted via the RAC intranet which links to a range of HWWA resources such as healthier catering and healthier food and drinks guide, Livelighter resources such as the 3-2-1 Meal Plan, and Cancer Council WA resources. Other methods of engagement and promotion are specifically tailored to employees who are not office based. 

Health and Wellbeing Program Activities

RAC's Boost Program encompasses a wide range of different strategies and activities, including: 

• No smoking policy with no designated smoking areas, and provides financial reimbursement on approved quitting initiatives 
• Good Function Guide which outlines recommendations regarding healthy catering and provision of alcohol at staff events
• Traffic light system implemented at onsite cafeterias
• Awareness raising activities and education regarding smoking, nutrition, physical activity, weight management and mental wellbeing - such as "No Takeaway monthly challenge" 
• Electric bike (e-bike) loan scheme and pool bike for day use 
• Physical activity challenges, such as Global Challenge, AIA Vitality program, Ride2Work Day, group exercise classes and subsided fees to community events such as Run 4 a Reason and City to Surf
• Calendar of events/activities/health topics which is promoted monthly to staff
• Interactive intranet with tools and resources to help improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Corporate gym discounts, skin screening (high risk areas), flu vaccinations and bi-annual health checks
• End of trip facilities at major locations to promote active commuting to and from work
• Promotion of mental wellbeing via R U OK? Day activities, Employee Assistance Program and partnering with Act Belong Commit to utilise resources

Three Tips from RAC for other workplaces include:  

1. Senior Management support is crucial in ensuring the success of Health and Wellbeing programs 
2. Seek the assistance from a network of volunteers to assist in promoting health and wellness initiatives
3. Utilise the range of free resources from HWWA, Live lighter and Cancer Council and Act Belong Commit