×
First-time login tip: If you're a REBA Member, you'll need to reset your password the first time you login.
03 Sep 2015

Shaping a health strategy to benefit all

In this latest instalment in the series on our six pillars of employee wellbeing, we will be discussing the third pillar - health - in more detail.

It is a frequent misconception that wellbeing only relates to health, so throughout this series of articles relating to our six pillars of employee wellbeing we are aiming to dispel that myth. That is not to say health isn’t important however, on the contrary it is extremely important and high health can transform a business.

It is becoming increasingly common for companies to invest more in the health of its employees and we now often see discounted gym memberships, health assessments and fruit in the office.

However a new wave of companies are taking this one step further with on-site exercise classes, standing desks, subsidised healthy meals and for some, even assessing the office itself and how its design can impact on employees mental health and productivity. For many the latter will be a step too far but you would be hard pressed to find a company in the UK right now that isn’t doing something in relation to improving the health of their staff.

All of the above is extremely positive and to be encouraged but it begs the question - how many of these companies have actually asked their employees what their health concerns are and then built a strategy around those?

It is arguable that health related products and solutions are only really used by those who already lead a healthy lifestyle when in reality who we actually want to target is those who don’t. I believe this is where further innovation is needed. Those who do not currently lead a healthy lifestyle are unlikely to fundamentally change their lifestyle following the offer of cheap gym memberships or fruit in the office.

873C-1441266538_Health_%26_Wellbeing_resized.jpg

Engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping a health strategy that benefits all. Once an employer understands their workforce and its health risks and employee concerns, then a truly bespoke strategy can be built that supports those who continue to lead a healthy lifestyle while also encouraging those who do not – for example by providing education in areas such as nutrition and exercise. Health assessments are also a great way of helping employees identify their health risks, and avoid what we are all so often guilty of - burying our heads in the sand.

The focus of this article so far has been around physical health but mental health is equally important as we are all greatly aware that stress is the number one cause of long term absence in the UK. Mental ill health can be caused by a wide range of issues, some manifesting in the work environment and some arising from personal issues that impact on work, productivity and absence.

This further supports the argument of engagement to help understand the health risks as well as providing line managers with the necessary training to support their employees and spot the first signs of mental ill health.

Health will always be the main focus for wellbeing and innovation in this space has been relentless in recent years - however this does not mean that we should believe the job is done. In truth the obesity crisis in the UK is worsening and as the workforce ages the health risks of the workforce will shift completely. In order to stay on top of this we must constantly engage with our employees and pick up on these trends early.

This article was supplied by Barnett Waddingham.

Related topics

In partnership with Barnett Waddingham

Everything we stand for at Barnett Waddingham is embedded in our promise – to do the right thing. We’ve applied this meaningful principle across all aspects of our business with continued success.

Contact us today