How staff can benefit from being a Healthy Workplace

The health and wellbeing of employees is becoming more of a prominent topic for many organisations and businesses.

In the UK, the annual economic cost of an unhealthy workforce is around ￡100 billion. Among UK employees with a health condition, 42 per cent felt their condition affected their work.

The Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme facilitated by Public Health at Leicestershire County Council , aims to help organisations of all sizes across the county to become healthier places to work.

Charnwood Borough Council registered with Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire, in summer 2023.

Zoe Griffiths, a Physical Activity and Well-being Manager for Charnwood Borough council, said: “We chose to sign up to the service because Charnwood Borough Council is fully committed to the health and wellbeing of our staff.”

Through the programme and working towards its “Empowered” Healthy Workplaces accreditation, Charnwood Borough Council has redesigned the health, safety and wellbeing information hub where staff can seek information.

Whilst implementing the scheme, staff were offered Health MOT checks to empower individuals with knowledge about their own health, and to educate and encourage a healthy lifestyle. One staff participant felt it helped reassure them about their blood sugar levels.

"I was a bit concerned about my blood sugar levels so wanted to get the check. It was quick and easy and offered me the reassurance I needed. The test gave me an average reading of the last three months. The staff completing the test were really friendly and knowledgeable."

Another staff member felt that discussions during a cholesterol test was very useful:

"My cholesterol was up very slightly, so we had a good chat on how to address that.”

This scheme has empowered Charnwood Borough Council as an organisation, to understand the needs of its workforce and be confident offering a comprehensive and relevant health and wellbeing offer.

Zoe states: “The support we have received from the Healthy Workplaces team has been excellent. They are very professional and helpful, and I would encourage other workplaces to begin their journey from ‘Engaged’ to ‘Empowered’ today.”

For more information about Healthy Workplaces visit our page or follow us on LinkedIn.

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