September 2023 LinkedIn Newsletter

International happiness at work week 2023

The last week of September marked?International Happiness at Work week?(25th-29th). According to those that named this week, “Happier employees are more involved, more productive, more cooperative, more creative, and more innovative. They are less likely to call in sick and there is a decreased chance they will experience burnout.?

Happiness at work is about meaningful work, healthy relationships, development, and having fun. And about stopping unnecessary rules, powerplay, complicated processes and procedures, absenteeism, unmotivated colleagues, and terrible managers.”?

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, the concept of employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical factor in promoting workplace performance, organisational success, and fostering positive company culture. Employees are the backbone of any business and their physical, mental, and emotional health directly impact their productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. Happiness at work should be a top priority for all organisations, big or small.?

Did you know that,?as of July 2023, the average weekly number of hours worked by full-time employees in the UK was 36.4 hours? This equates to just under 1,750 hours a year (taking annual leave into account), which amounts to 87,500 hours across a 50-year career. As incredible as that is, as the saying goes, you’ll never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you do.?

We all deserve to enjoy the job we do.?

To make happiness at work the norm and not the exception, here are some employee wellbeing initiatives to consider:?

Employee engagement?– encouraging employees to actively participate in decision-making processes, providing opportunities for skill development and fostering a sense of ownership and purpose in their work.?

Health and wellness initiatives?– offering corporate wellbeing workshops to encourage and support employees to improve their overall wellbeing and health. These can be on topics of mental health, nutrition, and mindfulness which can all contribute to feelings of happiness in and out of the workplace

Mental health support?–?a healthier workforce is a happier workforce, and this includes being mentally healthy too. Taking a Mental Health First Aid Course or participating in mental health workshops are all great ways to bolster personal mental health as well as assisting in spotting if someone else at work is struggling with their mental health

Employee Assistance Programme (EAPs)?– offering resources and support for employees dealing with personal issues, stress, or mental health challenges.?

Work-life balance?– promoting a healthy balance between work and personal life by offering flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and mental health support.

Positive organisational culture?– cultivating a workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity, inclusivity, and open communication.

Leadership and management training?– training managers and leaders to be empathetic, supportive, and effective in promoting a positive work environment.

Recognition and rewards?– acknowledging and rewarding employees' achievements and contributions to the organisation through incentives, bonuses, or other recognition programmes.

The importance of happiness and wellbeing in the workplace cannot be overstated. It goes beyond mere benefits; it is a strategic investment in the overall success and sustainability of an organisation. By creating a positive work environment, promoting productivity and performance, reducing absenteeism, boosting engagement and loyalty, and addressing mental health concerns, employers can harness the power of wellbeing to foster a thriving workplace where employees can bring their happiest selves to work. Prioritising employee happiness paves the way for enduring organisational success in today's dynamic and competitive business landscape.

#wellbeing #mentalhealth #occupationalhealth

Prioritising ergonomics for a safer, more efficient workplace

Each year, British (and global) industries suffer significant setbacks due to health issues stemming from work-related activities. A considerable portion of these unfortunate incidents can be attributed to insufficient foresight and workplace considerations.?

Ergonomics is the scientific focus on safe interaction between individuals and their work environments. With a strong emphasis on our eyes, backs, joints, and muscles, the ultimate goal of ergonomics is to ensure that tasks, tools, information, and surroundings seamlessly align with every employee, thereby guaranteeing not only their safety but also optimising their performance.?

Prolonged exposure to poor ergonomics can lead to a wide range of physical issues, including musculoskeletal disorders (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), lower back pain, and repetitive strain injuries. By creating an ergonomic workspace, staff can help reduce the risk of these ailments, ultimately leading to a healthier workforce and fewer workplace injuries.?

Poor ergonomics can cause employees to take more sick days, putting a financial and human strain on their business. By investing in ergonomic solutions, companies can reduce absenteeism rates, saving both time and money. What’s more, an especially important consideration for employers is the workplace regulations that many countries require. Non-compliance with ergonomic standards can lead to legal issues and fines.?

Ergonomics is not only about preventing discomfort or injuries, but also about optimising performance. When employees are comfortable and supported by their workspace, they can better focus on their tasks and perform them more effectively, which in turn will result in a more efficient and profitable business.?

Here are our top tips to mitigate physical and mental strain in your office:?

Workspace assessments

Desk?– Choose a desk with ample space for work materials and proper height for comfortable typing and writing

Chair?– Select an adjustable ergonomic chair with good lumbar support and armrests

Monitor?– Position the monitor at eye level, directly in front of you, and at a comfortable viewing distance

Peripherals?– Keep them at a height that allows your elbows to be relaxed and close to your body

Sitting posture

Sit with your back against the chair and your feet flat on the floor. Relax your shoulders and keep your waist and forearms straight and parallel to the floor. Keep your knees at a 90-degree angle and your thighs parallel to the ground.?

Screen and keyboard

Screen?– Position the top of your screen at eye level to avoid straining your neck

Keyboard?– Place the keyboard directly in front of you, allowing your elbows to be relaxed at your sides

Mouse?– Keep the mouse close to the keyboard and at the same level to avoid reaching or straining?

Take breaks? Take short breaks every hour to stand up, stretch and move around. Perform simple stretches for your neck, shoulders, wrists, and back to alleviate muscle tension

Workplace ergonomics is a crucial aspect of modern work environments. Prioritising ergonomics can lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce, benefiting both employees and employers alike. By investing in ergonomic solutions and creating ergonomic awareness, organisations can create an environment where employees thrive.

#occupationalhealth #ergonomics

Occupational health awareness week 2023: engaging SMEs

Last week was Occupational Health Awareness Week (OHAW),?a partnership between SOM (The Society of Occupational Medicine) and COHPA (The Commercial Occupational Health Providers Association) to promote the importance of Occupational Health.?

A staggering?2.5 million people in the UK are out of work due to long-term ill-health*. COPHA reports that two out of three sicknesses could have been prevented with Occupational Health interventions, yet?only half of the businesses in the UK work with an Occupational Health provider.?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a particular point of focus for this OHAW, as they are five times less likely to engage in Occupational Health support compared with large businesses.

Health is everyone’s business.?

To better educate and inform SMEs, COPHA has just released a?Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) to Occupational Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace, while SOM has released this 15-minute video on?Health at Work: Why SMEs need OH support. Both resources highlight what Occupational Health is and the important role it can play in a business.

The challenges of SMEs?

SMEs face their own set of unique challenges when it comes to managing health and wellbeing in their workforces - sickness and absence management is a key one.? 47% of SMEs consider managing sickness absence strategically important for their business, however, for HR teams, managing this can consume valuable time and effort.?

Having smaller teams means that if a critical member of staff is off sick, this may not only have an impact on business operations but also means businesses may struggle with resources to backfill or replace the role while the employee returns to better health. Occupational Health works alongside businesses as an extension to current HR processes, to not only help employees return to work faster but also provide preventative consultation to reduce levels of absenteeism from the outset.

The power of Occupational Health?

Occupational Health offers a valuable solution, tailored to the unique needs and budgets of any business. It's a journey and a process that requires buy-in from staff and managers. Talent attraction and retention can be challenging in many industries, but having an occupational health strategy in place can not only differentiate you from competitors but also demonstrates your commitment to the health and wellbeing of your people. Moreover, effective sickness and absence management can add value to your HR team by allowing them to handle cases efficiently and support employees in the best way possible.

The complex relationship between health and work?

It's crucial to recognise that no one operates at 100% capacity all the time. Health and work are intertwined and not all businesses are the same. Occupational Health acknowledges this by delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the needs of your organisation. Occupational Health is not about changing the nature of the work itself but rather wrapping better support around your employees, enabling them to thrive in their roles.

Taking the first step?

So, where should an SME start when it comes to Occupational Health? The answer lies in seeking advice from experts, like us.?

*Based on ONS Data July 2023?

#OHAW #corporatehealth #occupationalhealth