Most of us spend a good part of our lives at work. Two-thirds of Canadians over the age of 15 are employees and, on average, we spend about 60 per cent of our waking hours at work.

In today's competitive labour market, it's more important than ever for companies to create a workplace where employees enjoy being on the job.

Companies that are successful in attracting and keeping good workers have leaders who understand the connection between employee satisfaction and employee health, and make workplace wellness a part of their business strategy.

Healthy workplaces share some common traits: They support a balance between work and home life for their employees, they place reasonable demands on their workers' time and energy, they involve employees in decision making and reward their employees for work well done.

Workplace health education and wellness programs can help a company's bottom line and create a positive situation for both the employee and the employer. Employees who are healthy are more productive and have fewer days of absence due to illness. Healthy and informed employees also have fewer work-related injuries and file fewer workers compensation claims.

As part of the Alberta government's Healthy U initiative, the Premier's Award for Healthy Workplaces celebrates employers who encourage their staff to make healthy eating choices and incorporate active living into their workday.

Last April, 12 Alberta employers were recognized for their work in creating healthy workplace as winners of the first annual Premier's Award for Healthy Workplaces. While the workplaces ranged in size, type and location, they all demonstrated a commitment to the health and wellness of their employees.

The 2005-2006 award recipients programs included the Syncrude Canada's Fatigue Busters program to help workers manage workplace fatigue; Strathcona County's HeartWorks program to promote good heart health for employees; the Millar Western Forest Products Hold the Stuffing campaign that challenges employees to maintain or lose weight over the holiday season and the stress management month offered by Associated Engineering Alberta.

Do you have a workplace that deserves recognition for "walking the talk" on employee health and well-being? Why not consider making a submission to the 2006-2007 Premier's Award for Healthy Workplaces.

The Premier's Award for Healthy Workplaces is open to all Alberta workplaces in four award categories: Small (1 - 99 employees) Medium (100 - 499 employees) Intermediate (500 - 999 employees) Large (1000 or more employees).

One Award of Distinction and two Awards of Merit will be presented in each category.

You can obtain an application by visiting healthyalberta.com/ premiersaward, or by calling 427-7164 (toll-free 310-0000 anywhere in Alberta). Details on all of the 2005-2006 award recipients are also available on the website.

The deadline for applications is December 15, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.