What is Wellbeing at Work?

• ‘Wellbeing at Work’ is a range of activities encouraging employees to take good care of their physical and mental health, for their own benefit as well as that of the organisation
• Employers often take the initiative with such activity as health and safety policies, corporate gym memberships, relaxation time out, walking and cycling to work promotions and nutrition conscious canteens, to name but a few
• The major health-related challenges faced by organisations include stress, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, plus temporary and permanent physical and mental disability
• As a result, employee wellbeing is now firmly part of organisational strategy, a driver of employee engagement and productivity – and one proven to impact bottom line results
• Promoting wellness in the workplace has become a Government national priority (see Fit for Work) – 'Fit' organisations are often better placed to weather bad times

Why is wellbeing at work important?

• For every £1 you invest in employee health and wellbeing initiatives, you get £3 back (Personnel Today, 2009)
• The introduction of a wellness scheme can result in a reduction in sickness absence of between 10% and 36% (the average sickness absence is 8%)
• It saves money in more ways than one: reduced overtime/agency fees, no loss of continuity, keeping customers happy, keeping morale high, not to mention avoiding the costs of litigation
• It also makes the organisation a more attractive place to work

How do you get a healthier workforce?

• Set up a cross-organisation development group with representation from all stakeholders
• Win the commitment of the most senior decision makers within the organisation
• Make a senior manager accountable for employee health and wellbeing
• Plan the communication of the wellbeing programme throughout the organisation in a strategic way, so that consultation is firmly established as a key element
• Identify and assess existing approach and procedures. Acknowledge gaps and areas for action
• Build an action plan based on key priorities
• Put the programme in place and then evaluate and review progress in financial terms

How People Resolutions can help:

• Planning: Audits and strategy development to create a cohesive strategy on health and wellness, and to ensure disability management and ‘return to work’ is in line with government ‘Fit for Work’ initiatives; assistance with building the business case for senior management recognition of the importance of health and wellbeing
• Prevention: Training to help the development of a more pro-active and flexible approach to the health and wellbeing of staff. Train trainers and appoint champions of health and wellbeing to ensure dissemination throughout the organisation, and sustainability
• Resolution: Assisting managers and employees with specific health, mental health and well-being matters through early assessment, case-managed rehabilitation plans and tailored re-entry into the workplace. Professional mediation and impartial expert investigations where health and wellbeing issues form part of the conflict resolution or grievance process
  
  

To discuss further, call us free on 0800 6125 110, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download our fact sheet.