Health network issues a challenge to employers
A LOCAL health group that works with city businesses is challenging employers to take more steps or lose weight as part of The Herald's loveLIFE campaign.
The Business Health Network, part of Plymouth Community Healthcare, has launched the 2013 Workplace Challenge to city employers.
In support of The Herald's loveLIFE campaign, the network is challenging employers to either take more steps or lose the most weight over a four week period between May 1and June 30.
The Business Health Network was set up in 1995 to work directly with employers and organisations in and around Plymouth.
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One of the many challenges facing the NHS and employers alike is the rising cost of ill health.
These costs can be measured in different ways, such as the number of working days lost, decreased performance levels, the cost of medical care and the impact on family life.
The Business Health Network works with local companies to improve health and wellbeing at work which increases employee satisfaction with the work environment, and encourages healthy attitudes to diet, exercise and life style issues such as smoking and stress.
Sue McAdie, of the Business Health Network, said: "The business benefits of a healthy and happy workforce are obvious.
"Increased motivation, morale and productivity coupled with reduced long term sickness and absenteeism; no wonder the number of Plymouth employers investing in health and well being at work is growing.
"We have been going for over six years and have seen really positive benefits for employers and employees coming out of the efforts being made to help people lose weight, take more exercise and be better informed about their health."
Sixteen businesses including Plymouth University, Bombardier, Child Maintenance Group and Nuffield Health attended the launch of the Business Challenge at the end of last month which was incorporated into a quarterly networking forum for HR professionals.
Speakers from Plymotion and the NHS spoke to the forum about the various local initiatives available to support individuals and businesses to be more active or lose weight.
Tracey Savage, HR manager of the Copthorne Hotel, said: "It's amazing how much is going on in Plymouth.
"There is clearly an increased emphasis on putting better facilities in place for walkers and cyclists in Plymouth which not only gets us all increasing our activity levels but also reduces congestion on the roads.
"We won one of the categories for the Business Challenge in 2012 and hope to take part in 2013 too."
The Business Health Network runs the Health@Work Awards, a public recognition of the investment employers make in the health and well being of their employees.
Joining the Network is free, entitles members to attend the forum meetings and access resources to support health initiatives in the workplace.
Comments
by Nevman
Thursday, February 07 2013, 3:21PM
“Perhaps it would be better if this network advised businesses to treat their staff with respect and dignity, and not push them towards ever-increasing targets and longer shifts. Work-related stress is one of the major health problems of our time, costs the economy billions of pounds every year, and is entirely avoidable.”