Businesses are supporting their employees’ health and wellbeing – reducing absence and boosting productivity – through a county council programme.
Staffordshire County Council’s Workplace Health initiative offers free to access health and wellbeing support to businesses.
It includes free workplace health checks for employees and advice on healthy lifestyles, air quality in the workplace, mental health and a Healthy Workplace newsletter.
Among those who have already used the service is adhesive and sealant company Bostik, which has a production site in Stafford.
Marketing director Mat Whitehouse said: “Just by pointing people in the right direction in terms of health and wellbeing can make them stop and think. The inconvenience of having to go to the doctors often means that people put off health checks.
“We value our staff very highly and obviously their health is very important to us. Since the scheme began here staff seem to be happier, more buoyant and more active. We want our staff to lead healthy and happy lives and this scheme is a great way to support that.”
ONS data shows around 141 million working days are lost in the UK every year to sickness absence, costing businesses almost £92 billion a year.
Benefits of improved workplace health include increased motivation and morale in employees, quicker recovery from illness and increased job satisfaction. Employers see improved productivity, greater staff retention and fewer workplace injuries.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for public health and integrated care Paul Northcott added: “Everyone deserves to be healthy and happy in the workplace and when they do experience ill health that the right care and support is in place from their employer. Employees also have a crucial role to play in looking out for their colleagues at work and offering their support when they can.
“Because those in full-time employment spend most of their time at work, it makes sense for their managers to take advantage of the free-to-access health and wellbeing expert support from Staffordshire County Council.”
More information about Workplace Health can be found here.
