Two Thirds Of Staff Seek Workplace Health Support

Posted on April 22, 2014May 9, 2014 by Allison Caine

Almost two thirds of employees say that they would appreciate help and advice in the workplace on how to improve their health and wellbeing. According to research undertaken by Metlife, 63% of workers believe they would benefit from additional support from their employers in order to improve their health through work.

The importance of your employees’ health and wellbeing should never be underestimated. Time and again research has shown that happy, healthy employees are more productive and take less time off, which boosts a business’ bottom line.

The Consumer Intelligence study, which surveyed more than 2,000 adults, found that a fifth of employees had taken time off for stress related illness, with most workers absent for five days or more. In fact, taking time off due to stress problems was higher than taking time off for family illness and was on a par with absence due to bereavement.

It was significantly higher than the number of people absent due to sports injuries (10%) and employees who could not attend work due to hangovers or other alcohol related problems (8%).

Metlife UK employee benefits director Tom Gaynor is quoted as saying: “Stress is a major issue with one in five employees having to take time off work in the past year.

“It is clear that staff would welcome more support and help from employers on health and wellness in the workplace and it is also clear that employers have recognised the need to provide support.

“There is a genuine benefit for both employers and employees in promoting good health at work. Helping staff to be healthier cuts the cost of absence for employers and enables employees to avoid illness where possible and to recover faster.”

For more information on how you can create a healthier workforce contact the OHBM team. At Occupational Health Business Management we offer expert occupational health solutions to businesses of all sizes and statures, and can help you to get the best out of your employees.

What’s Your Approach To Occupational Health?

Posted on April 14, 2014April 18, 2014 by Allison Caine

Your occupational health strategy is intrinsic to the success of your business.

Healthy, happy, valued employees are more productive and take less days off sick. All of this helps you boost your bottom line, making your business more successful.

If you’re considering implementing an occupational health scheme at your workplace but don’t know where to start, speak to the team at OHBM. We’ve many years’ experience in the field, helping businesses both large and small in public and private sectors.

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us for a free review of your business and a full report on the same day.

Sun Protection Information For Employers

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Allison Caine

We all welcome a little sunshine as spring and summer roll around, and this can make the job much more pleasant for outdoor workers. But as an employer you have the responsibility for the health of those employees who work outside most of the day, and the risks associated with hot, sunny weather.

If you’re a manager or an employer of people who work outside, you might find the following information helpful.

Risks of working in hot and sunny conditions

The sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage, including sun burn, ageing and skin cancer. This should be considered a hazard for people working outside. Heat can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water.

Tips for employers

Make sure you pass on information about working outside in your routine health and safety training, informing employees that a tan is not healthy.

Encourage outdoor workers to regularly check their skin for strange spots and moles changing colour or size, and to seek medical advice if there is any concern.

Educate employees about the importance of staying hydrated and seeking areas of shade during their breaks. Situate break areas and water points in locations of shade.

Encourage workers to stay covered up, using hats and long sleeved tops, and regularly apply sunscreen.

The benefits

By ensuring your workforce is well equipped to deal with hot and sunny conditions and educated about the risks involved, you reduce the amount of employee health problems and sick days. Find further information within the HSE’s sun protection leaflet or speak to the team at OHBM.