1. What’s the drive behind it now?
Despite being a major UK industry, construction has a higher prevalence of poor health and wellbeing than other industry sectors. Under the government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal, organisations can sign up to commit to take action voluntarily to improve their workers’ health through their responsibilities as employers, as well as through their commercial actions and their community activities. At The Miller Group, for example, one action that we have taken is to set up a volunteer committee of health and wellbeing “champions” from across all regions of our business.
2. Make employees feel valued
An organisation is nothing without its people, and people need to be looked after. So take some time to recognise their achievements and ensure that their needs are being met.
3. Provide the right setting
There’s a lot to be said for providing the right environment for people to make healthy choices. People will be far more inclined to cycle to work if there are facilities for them to have a shower when they get there; or they might decide to go for a jog during their lunch break if they can freshen themselves up afterwards. Break-out space away from desks is important so that staff can get away from their computer and socialise with colleagues if they choose to, and well-equipped kitchens with ample fridge space enable staff to store packed lunches instead of eating convenience food.
4. Partner up with external suppliers
Forging links with external suppliers can bring a number of health-related benefits to employees. For example, you could partner with a bicycle retailer to offer employees a chance to buy a bicycle under the Cycle to Work scheme. You could also offer free general health checks, or support employees wanting to stop smoking by inviting in NHS smoking cessation advisers.
5. Recognise the business benefits
It is important to recognise that investment in the health and wellbeing of employees brings significant business benefits. Fit and healthy employees take less time off work and they are also likely to be more productive when they are at work. If they feel that they are looked after, their morale will be greater and they will be less likely to seek new employment. And an employer that genuinely cares about its staff and their wellbeing will have no trouble in attracting new talent.
By Elaine Hadden, HR manager of property company The Miller Group
