The Fiji Civil Service has officially launched a revised Civil Service Workplace Health and Wellness Policy, aimed at fostering healthier, safer, and more supportive working conditions across all government ministries and departments. Originally issued in 2011, the updated policy reflects significant revisions made in December 2025 and provides a thorough framework addressing physical, mental, social, and occupational well-being within the public service.
The emphasis of the policy is on reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing workplace culture. It mandates that all civil service stakeholders either align their internal workplace health policies with this national framework or fully adopt it. Compliance will be overseen by Permanent Secretaries, who will be supported by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committees, acting as Healthy Workplace Committees.
Originating from a World Health Organization-supported regional initiative focused on tackling NCDs, the framework now encompasses the entire civil service. It introduces a well-structured “healthy workplace approach,” which includes staff engagement, baseline health screenings, mitigation planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring.
Key measures within the policy involve mandatory annual workplace health screenings, initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays to promote physical activity, and strict regulations for tobacco-free workplaces. Additionally, restrictions are placed on the consumption of yaqona, alcohol, and illicit drugs in government settings, allowing for limited cultural exceptions only.
The framework prioritizes mental health and stress management, with requirements for government-funded events to meet national healthy catering standards. It also emphasizes the need for ministries to provide breastfeeding facilities and to raise calorie-awareness among employees.
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments are tasked with ensuring that the policy is integrated into daily operations, with managers expected to model healthy behaviors. Furthermore, the policy incorporates environmental and social responsibility measures that include creating safe and accessible workspaces, ensuring disaster preparedness, offering flexible work arrangements, and engaging in community outreach programs.
To maintain its relevance and effectiveness, the policy is set to be reviewed every two years, with the Ministry of Civil Service overseeing the process and providing reports to the Public Service Commission. This significant effort reflects a commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of Fiji’s civil service, paving the way for a more supportive working environment for all public servants.