Empower Your Workplace: National Skin Cancer Action Week 2023

At Skin Smart, raising skin cancer awareness in the workplace is of utmost importance, which is why we’re excited to highlight National Skin Cancer Action Week 2023. This annual event, taking place from November 20th to 26th, provides an excellent opportunity for HR managers to host company awareness events in the workplace. 

But what should you consider? From internal marketing and sun-safe challenges to activation ROI, this blog will walk you through all the possibilities available to you to ensure a successful National Skin Cancer Action Week in your workplace. 

What To Know About National Skin Cancer Action Week

National Skin Cancer Action Week can be traced back to 1981 when the Cancer Council of Australia initiated the Slip-Slop-Slap campaign. This pivotal campaign aimed to educate Australians about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and reinforce sun-safe practices. This week-long event has become an essential part of the Australian calendar, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection. As HR managers, you have a unique opportunity to bring this message to your workplace and make a significant impact.

Organising a Workplace Activation

The main objective of National Skin Cancer Action Week is clear: to raise awareness, advocate sun-safe practices, and encourage regular skin checks. Your workplace can become a hub for spreading awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of sun safety. To do so, it is important to consider how you can educate employees, advocate for sun-safety practices, and encourage them to schedule regular skin checks. 

Some effective ways to engage your employees during National Skin Cancer Action Week is to organise a skin check station, lunch-and-learn seminars, and a sun-safe challenge. 

Here are some creative ideas to get you started:

• UV Index Awareness: Challenge employees to check the UV index daily and adjust their sun protection measures accordingly.
• Best Sun-Safe Hat or Accessory Day: Host a “Hat Day” or “Sunglasses Day” and reward the most sun-savvy accessoriser.
• Sun-Safe Lunch: Encourage employees to have lunch outdoors but in shaded areas. Provide shaded spaces or temporary shelters for this purpose.
• Sun-Safety Quiz: Test your employees’ knowledge of sun safety with a quiz and reward those with the best scores.
• Sunscreen Station: Set up sunscreen stations around the workplace, making it easy for employees to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Internal Marketing For Your Workplace Activation

Technology can be a valuable ally in your efforts to promote sun safety in the workplace.  Consider using internal workplace communication tools or apps to send regular reminders about sun protection measures. You can send alerts when the UV index is high and encourage employees to apply sunscreen. 

But spreading awareness should also extend beyond the workplace. Share your sun-safe initiatives on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and encourage employees to participate by sharing their own stories on social media. This not only helps your cause but also promotes your company as socially responsible and committed to employee well-being.

Lastly, don’t diminish collaboration as it can be a game-changer when it comes to promoting sun safety in the workplace. Consider partnering with other businesses and organisations that share your goals.  By partnering with sunscreen companies, you can provide sunscreen products for your employees, making it easy for them to protect their skin. UV wristbands serve as reminders to reapply sunscreen or seek shade when necessary. 

Skin Smart is committed to supporting HR managers in their efforts to promote sun safety in the workplace. We offer a range of services that can assist you in organising awareness campaigns, seminars, and skin cancer checks. Our experienced team of skin and healthcare professionals can conduct on-site skin checks for your employees, making it convenient and hassle-free.

If you’re looking to take your sun safety initiatives to the next level during National Skin Cancer Action Week, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss how we can collaborate on promoting skin health and raising awareness about skin cancer prevention in your workplace.