August 2024 Newsletter

Know Your Numbers! Week 2024: Empowering UK employees to take control of their health?

This September, the UK's largest blood pressure awareness event, Know Your Numbers! Week, returns from the 2nd to the 8th, aiming to encourage adults across the country to monitor their blood pressure. As employers, we have a unique opportunity to support this initiative by integrating health checks into our workplace wellness programmes. By doing so, we can empower our employees to take control of their health and wellbeing, reinforcing the theme, "You Have the Power."?

The importance of “Knowing Your Numbers”?

In the UK, high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, affecting around one in three adults. However, it often goes undetected, earning its reputation as a "silent killer." This is where Know Your Numbers! Week plays a crucial role. Blood pressure is important at any age and the campaign encourages all individuals to "know their numbers" by getting their blood pressure checked, which is a simple yet effective way to prevent serious health issues.?

Occupational health and the workplace?

For businesses in the UK, this campaign is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate commitment to employee health. By offering free blood pressure checks during Know Your Numbers! Week, employers can provide a valuable service that extends beyond the workplace. Occupational health professionals can facilitate these checks, ensuring that employees not only understand their numbers but also receive guidance on managing or improving their health.?

Why workplace health checks matter?

Integrating health checks into the workplace can have a significant impact:?

• Raising awareness: Many individuals are unaware they have high blood pressure. By offering checks at work, employers make it easier for employees to discover their status and take proactive steps.?

• Preventing health issues: Early detection of high blood pressure can prevent more severe health problems, reducing absenteeism and enhancing overall productivity.?

• Creating a health-conscious culture: When companies prioritise health initiatives, it sends a clear message that employee wellbeing is valued, leading to higher morale and job satisfaction.?

You ‘Have the Power’?

In the UK, where workplace stress and long hours can contribute to health issues, employers have the power to make a difference. By supporting Know Your Numbers! Week, you empower your employees to take charge of their health. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a healthier, more engaged workforce.?

As we approach Know Your Numbers! Week 2024, consider how your organisation can participate. Whether through onsite health checks, educational sessions, or providing resources, your involvement can have a lasting impact. Remember, as an employer in the UK, you have the power to help your staff manage their health, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and productive workplace.?

For more information on Know Your Numbers! Week 2024 and how to get involved, visit the Blood Pressure UK website.?

Occupational Health Awareness Week: Why it matters for your workplace?

Occupational Health Awareness Week (OHAW), happening from 23rd to 29th September 2024, is a vital initiative led by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM). This year's focus is on explaining what occupational health (OH) is and highlighting the significant value it brings to workplace health and overall business success.?

What Is occupational health??

Occupational health is a field dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of employees in the workplace. OH professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, work closely with employers and employees to develop solutions and tailored interventions that keep workers healthy and productive. This includes helping those who have been off work due to ill-health or injury return in a sustainable way, or those with health difficulties stay in work, as well as advising on reasonable workplace adjustments that allow for effective work performance despite health challenges.?

The value of occupational health?

The benefits of occupational health are extensive and investing in occupational health is investing in your organisation’s success. A Deloitte study indicated that employers could see an average ￡5 return for every ￡1 spent on wellbeing support. OH interventions not only help employees manage long-term conditions and disabilities but also enhance overall productivity and reduce the costs associated with employee absence.?

Why employers should care?

For employers, investing in occupational health is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a healthy, happy, and productive workforce. With the most common workplace health issues being mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, OH professionals provide tailored solutions that help staff remain at work, even under challenging health conditions. By prioritising occupational health, businesses can significantly reduce long-term absences and boost employee morale and productivity.?

How to get involved in OHAW24?

During #OHAW24, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate by sharing content, engaging in social media discussions, and spreading the word about the importance of occupational health. Whether you’re an employer looking to improve workplace health or a professional considering a career in OH, there are numerous ways to contribute.?

For more information on how you can get involved in Occupational Health Awareness Week 2024, visit the Society of Occupational Medicine website.?

Embracing International Week of Happiness at Work: Cultivating joy and wellbeing in the UK workplace?

From 23rd to 27th September, workplaces around the globe, including those in the UK, celebrate International Week of Happiness at Work. This annual event is dedicated to promoting happiness and wellbeing in the workplace, recognising that a happy workforce is a productive and engaged one. As employers and employees, we have the power to create environments where joy and satisfaction thrive, leading to both personal fulfilment and organisational success.?

Why happiness at work matters?

Happiness in the workplace is more than just a feel-good concept; it's a critical component of a successful business strategy. Research consistently shows that happy employees are more productive, creative, and committed to their organisations. They experience lower stress levels, better health, and greater job satisfaction, all of which contribute to a positive work environment and improved business outcomes.?

Investing in employee happiness is a win-win for both individuals and organisations. Below are just some of the many benefits of a happy workforce: ?

• Increased productivity. Happy employees are more engaged and motivated, they also tend to work better with colleagues, leading to higher productivity and better performance.?

• Enhanced employee retention. A positive work environment can contribute to improving job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates, and costs associated with recruitment and training.?

• Improved company reputation. Companies who are known to be a happy workplace are more likely to have a stronger employer brand and attract top talent.?

• Greater innovation. A supportive and positive environment fosters creativity and encourages employees to contribute innovative ideas.?

How to celebrate International Week of Happiness at Work

These are just some of the many ideas that can be adopted all year round to help build a happy workforce:

• Recognise achievements. Celebrate both big and small accomplishments. Everyone likes to receive praise for good work in different ways but it’s important to show recognition with shout-outs in meetings, personalised thank-you notes, or recognition awards.?

• Promote work-life balance. Encourage employees to take regular breaks and use their holiday entitlement (plus remind them not check their emails or take calls while on holiday). Consider flexible working arrangements where possible to help maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. ?

• Foster positive relationships. Create opportunities for team-building and social interactions. Organise virtual or in-person events, such as team lunches, coffee breaks, or collaborative projects that strengthen team bonds. ?

• Encourage personal development. Support employees' growth by providing access to training, workshops, and career development opportunities. Helping employees achieve their personal and professional goals contributes to their overall happiness.?

• Create a positive work environment. Ensure that the workplace is inclusive, respectful, and supportive. Promote open communication, encourage feedback, and address any issues promptly to maintain a harmonious environment.?

• Incorporate wellness activities. Integrate wellness initiatives such as mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, fitness challenges, or mental health workshops. Promoting physical and mental wellbeing is essential for a happy workforce.?

• Share positive stories. Highlight stories of employee success, wellbeing initiatives, and positive workplace experiences in internal communications, newsletters, and on social media.?

International Week of Happiness at Work?is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and enhance the wellbeing of everyone in the workplace. We all deserve to enjoy the job we do and fostering happiness at work is a collective effort that benefits both individuals and the organisation as a whole. Join us in celebrating this week by implementing some of these strategies and sharing your experiences.?

For more information and resources on how to celebrate International Week of Happiness at Work, visit the International Week of Happiness at Work website.?