The research prompts experts to call for a supportive culture, where employees can discuss health issues and access help.
Employers are being urged to make wellbeing a “shared responsibility” amid the news that UK sickness absence has hit a 10-year high.
The CIPD and Simply health research found that UK employees were absent an average of 7.8 days over the past year – the highest rate seen in 10 years, and two days greater than the pre-pandemic record of 5.8 per day.
The Health and wellbeing at work report examined trends in sickness absence and employee health and wellbeing among 918 organisations representing 6.5 million employees. It found stress to be a significant factor for both short-term and long-term absences, with 76 per cent of respondents taking time off work for that reason in the past year.
The research also discovered that heavy workloads are by far the most common cause of stress-related absence (67 per cent), followed by management style (37 per cent).
How can you really help your people as a business?
Workplace Wellbeing Strategy – The Business Case
There is always a degree of resistance with regards to employee wellbeing; workplace wellbeing strategies and initiatives, particularly for SME’s – there is always something more important to spend the money on, or is there?
Traditionally, when articulating the business case for managing people’s health, employers focused on quantifying the negative impact of ill health such as the cost of sickness absence. Recent thinking reflects a more positive business case, and growing evidence showing a positive link between the introduction of wellness programmes in the workplace and improved engagement and performance levels.
Create an Open & Inclusive Culture
Bring Positive Mental Health to the Forefront
To develop a Positive Wellbeing Culture – Senior Management must lead to initiate and support a workplace culture that embraces health in all aspects and doesn’t differentiate mental health and physical health at any costs. This will encourage the employees of mental health issues to come forward without any fear of discrimination.
Create a Workplace Wellbeing Strategy ‘Foundation’
- Senior Management Buy-in
- Leadership Training
- Effective Communication Strategies
- HSE Management Standards, Stress RA & Action Plan
- Other relevant Risk Assessments
- Reasonable Adjustments
- Workplace Wellbeing & related Policies
- Flexible Working Practices
- Regularly review Workplace Conditions, Processes & Job Roles
- Annual & Regular Staff Satisfaction Survey & Action Plan
- Wellbeing Reward Initiatives
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Occupational Health
- Mental Health First Aiders & Resources
- Effective Performance Management & Feedback Strategies
- Individual Stress Risk Assessment
- Wellness Action Plans (WAP’s)
- Stress & Resilience Training
The top three benefits of employers increasing their focus on employee wellbeing:
- A healthier and more inclusive culture
- Better work-life balance
- Better employee morale & engagement
Unsure about where to start ? Worry not, we can support you through the process step by step.
How can we help you as a business?
1. Our Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit
What is included?
Within this ‘Toolkit’ we will give you positive strategies on how to implement a ‘Workplace Wellbeing Strategy’. We will outline the roles and responsibilities within a business. We include legislation, data and facts and benefits about ‘Supporting Mental Health at Work’.
2. E-Learning – Mental Health & Wellbeing
We can offer your business and your people current and up to date Mental Health & Wellbeing E-Learning.
Benefits of Training include;
- Building a Positive Organisational Culture
- Creating Supportive & Inclusive Environments
- Improving Communication Skills
- Promoting Awareness and Reducing Stigma
- Enhancing Resilience and Coping Skills
- Reducing Mental Health-related Absences
- Supporting Mental Health Advocacy
Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Bundle
This bundle includes 7 courses related to Mental Health & Wellbeing, covering topics including Depression, Autism, ADHD, Mental Health First Aid, Policy Writing and Stress Management.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Bundle – Craven Consultancy Services
Overall, mental health and wellbeing training play a crucial role in fostering a more informed, empathetic, and supportive society, where individuals are better equipped to take care of their mental health and help others in times of need.
3. Wellbeing Related Policies
We can provide a comprehensive range of policies, that are perfect and achievable for any SME. This will help, support and guide you as a business to safeguarding employee health and wellbeing.
£100+VAT/policy. If a number are purchased, then these will be discounted.
4. Employee Assistance Programme
Many employers are now offering an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) as part of their benefits package, especially during the past two years to support their people.
We’re an authorised broker of the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering immediate support, trauma management and information on finance, debt or medical advice. The service is confidential and can help with a variety of issues including:
Stress Anxiety – Work problems – Family issues – Bereavement Trauma – Financial wellbeing – Debt Relationships – Tax information – Medical information – Wills, grant of probate and inheritance advice.