Employers encouraged to generate ‘healthy working lives’

Over 140 HR representatives attended a special conference organised by Business in the Community and the Public Health Agency at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey today [Tuesday 3 March 2015] to explore how they can improve the wellbeing of employees in their organisations.

Health Minister, Jim Wells, who opened the conference explains: “Employers are well placed to ‘empower healthy living’ and provide the support that individuals need on a day to day basis in a familiar environment. If we get this right, I believe that we will have better motivation, better engagement and in turn this will lead to better and more sustainable performance and excellent service quality. In short, we should see this as a key driver not just for delivering our services – but also for improving them. I believe that the key focus is about keeping staff fit and healthy and at work. I also recognise that good health and wellbeing help employees to flourish and achieve their full potential in the workplace.

“Of course this can only be done by meaningful collaborative working with other Government Departments and agencies; the public and private sectors; the business community as well as local government. Today’s event highlights the importance of bringing together business leaders and innovators to consider how we can best support our workforce which in turn will optimise the quality of service we deliver.”

Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Employers can really benefit from engaging with their employees to promote and support health and wellbeing in the workplace. This conference provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of how the workplace setting can make a real difference through sharing good examples of what works and considering the wider impact on improved health and wellbeing of the NI population.”

Deborah McConnell, Programme Manager for Business in the Community’s Workplace 20:20 campaign adds: “Health and wellbeing is a key driver for engaging employees. Health issues such as obesity, mental health, stress and alcohol affect large numbers of our population. Employers who get health and wellbeing initiatives right see three fold benefits – for the person, for their family and for their business, with reduced absenteeism and higher job satisfaction topping the list.”

Everything from mindfulness and volunteering to physical and mental health was discussed at the event, with best in class examples provided by organisations including Marks & Spencer, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, The Henderson Group and Michelin Tyre.

If your business would like help to get fitter for the future, please contact [email protected], call (028) 9046 0606 or visit www.bitcni.org.uk.