Hafnarfjörður subsidises its employees who have worked for at least 3 months to engage in health activities – physical or mental. Staff with a 50-100% employment rate receive the full grant of kr. 18,000 per year. Staff with an employment rate below 50% receive half that amount, or kr. 9,000 per year. In addition, staff who opt for an environmentally friendly mode of transport to and from work can apply for a special transport allowance of kr. 6,000 per month (the threshold is a 50-100% work schedule). Eco-friendly transport refers to any mode of travel other than travelling by private car or motorised vehicles as defined by the Road Traffic Act, such as walking, cycling, using an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, or using public transport.
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Choice of different ways to promote health
Staff have the flexibility to choose different ways to improve their health and make use of various services, but the allowances are not limited to traditional gyms. For example, this could include fitness, yoga, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, anxiety therapy, dance, singing and drama courses, golf lessons or karate, to name but a few. The criterion is that the provider is a recognised professional, whether for mental or physical health. The grant is intended to cover the cost of participating in health and fitness activities, not for the purchase of sports goods, equipment or gear. Staff on maternity leave can apply for the grant.
Hafnarfjörður Municipality is a health-promoting workplace.
Hafnarfjörður is placing increased emphasis on the health and well-being of its staff through the targeted implementation of the 'Health Promoting Workplace' project, run by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. A Healthy Promoting Workplace is a holistic approach that aims to promote the improved health and well-being of staff in the workplace. Active participation from employers, staff and the community is a key part of the process, and each workplace collaboratively develops a health policy with an active, timed action plan that is accessible to and known by all staff at that location.