Creating a high performance workforce: Workplace well-being
IN the second of our week of features in association with Sheffield Hallam University, TheBusinessDesk.com considers what employers can do to improve the health of their staff.
HEALTHY, stress-free and well-motivated employees can mean lower sickness rates, higher productivity and better staff retention.
To create these conditions, according to experts at Sheffield Hallam University, businesses need to focus on three areas: health and safety, management of ill health and illness prevention.
As many as 30m working days are lost every year in the UK because of occupational illness and injury, costing the economy an estimated £30bn – around 3% of GDP. According to the CBI, sickness absence can cost roughly £495 per employee per year, a particularly high cost for small and medium enterprises.
Patricia Foster, principal lecturer in health and wellbeing at Sheffield Hallam University, says: “As well as the costs of absenteeism and reduced performance due to ill health, there are considerable benefits to having a healthy and active workforce.
“Your employees are likely to be more receptive to and better able to cope with change. And you can see increased staff retention and loyalty.
“There are of course certain laws around creating a safe and healthy workforce. But aim higher than the minimum requirements and you’ll reap the rewards.”
Mrs Foster warns that companies should take care to introduce measures that fit in with their organisation but suggestions include helping staff eat well by providing fruit for employees and stocking vending machines with energy-rich food.
A firm can also arrange for health checks and consultations and offer physiotherapy or pilates and yoga classes or provide incentives for people to cycle to work.
Some companies also find organising regular social outings helps improve morale and productivity.
Sheffield Hallam University offers a range of services that can help businesses improve the wellbeing of their employees including a clinic providing professional physiotherapy and occupational rehabilitation. It also can help set up an “internal wellness scheme” and offers a range of courses to help staff understand how they can change their lifestyles for the better.
