The benefits of implementing a wellbeing programme in the workplace

Looking after the physical and emotional wellbeing of your employees can radically change your business.

To most people, ‘wellbeing’ means multiple things in terms of how we feel about our lives, jobs and relationships. When we’re at work, wellbeing is influenced by our day to day experiences, and when managed well can have a positive effect on employees and their work environment.

For your company to achieve its goals, your employees need to be present, both mentally and physically. Being committed to and promoting good health among your people will help with retention and recruitment and demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Good working relationships with colleagues is key to creating a positive working environment. Everybody has a different working style, treating everybody the same way is less likely to be effective - getting to know your employees and working together to help develop skills will help build an inspiring work environment.

Implementing physical and psychological wellbeing strategies in the workplace encourages employees to support each other to adopt healthy behaviour. The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has published results data on wellbeing strategies delivered by Occupational Health providers. This report provides insights into why sickness absence is occurring and the interventions that can be made to improve workforce attendance and productivity. [1]

Companies can support employee health by:

• Increasing awareness about wellbeing issues:
  leading by example is a great way to send a message to staff that their wellbeing matters. If a Director speaks out about mental health, it can have a huge impact and encourage staff to seek advice and communicate more with their peers and managers. Management can also show commitment to employees through simple actions such as supporting a campaign to encourage their teams to take lunch breaks, or to ensure they are working healthy hours.
• Improving the office environment:
  87% of employees would like their employer to offer healthier workspace benefits, with options ranging from wellness rooms, company fitness benefits, healthy lunch options and ergonomic seating. [2]
• Offering access to wellbeing support services:
  Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) supports employees, and often their families, with confidential counselling sessions. These sessions help employees deal with work-related and personal issues that might be affecting their performance at work. [3]

Wellbeing services are best supported by an accredited occupational health service provider whose role is to keep employees well, both physically and mentally. RPS is a SEQOHS [4] (Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service) accredited organisation. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored programme of Health and Wellbeing. Our dedicated Occupational Health team are also available to deliver individual and/or group proactive education events or structured programmes to suit your specific needs.