Examples of Healthy Workplace Good Practice
Age Concern
Age Concern has the gold standard in the Stockport healthy workplace scheme. One initiative that's been really successful is the Health Information Point in the staff library. This contains information on a variety of health-related topics, ranging from cancer and healthy eating to substance misuse.
Bacharach Europe
Bacharach Europe has a well-developed, holistic approach to wellbeing. At the moment, healthy lunches are subsidised, which has led to 80 per cent choosing healthy options. Every year two employees take part in a charity challenge - the company pays the minimum sponsorship in full. And recently an employee has come back from walking part of the Great Wall of China. To deal with stress, it has created a unique family style culture, resulting in a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
Benn Partnership, Rugby
Staff and their families can learn about healthy living at a weekly class. Health issues faced by different ethnic groups are discussed at a multicultural cooking club. A walking club has been organised with qualified leaders and staff benefiting from discounted gym membership. Flexible working and job share programmes are promoted.
Hampshire County Council
The council has committed funds to subsidise physical activity classes, holistic therapy, stress workshops, relaxation and nutrition including training for managers in recognising and managing stress. A health and wellbeing steering group is being set up to represent employees and take an overview.
London Transport
London Underground provides a website offering friendly advice to shift workers who've been identified as particularly susceptible to sleeping problems, health fairs, with ten run last year and more planned for this year which take professional medical people to meet staff at their place of work, local weight management groups, exercise promotion and a real focus on improving nutrition and workshops for duty managers on effective stress management, and a local assessment and intervention programme to provide support at hot spots.
Molar Ltd, Somerset
This is a small company whose staff believe that 'profits are certainly reinvested in the health and wellbeing of the workforce'. Fresh flowers, fruit, nuts and mineral water are provided and staff have turned from chocolate and fizzy drinks to healthier choices. Staff take part in cricket, football, tennis, golf, running, swimming salsa and keep fit. All the female staff (and their children) have done Cancer Research UK's Race for Life since 2002.
National Milk Records
At National Milk Records in Worthing, staff who walk or cycle to work at least five times a month get a free lunch. A Workplace Health Champion organises competitive sports days with other companies, keeps the free fruit bowl topped up and is investigating initiatives such as salary sacrifice schemes to fund bikes and lunchtime health talks.
Riverside Centre
The Riverside centre in the Isle of Wight has developed an accessible multi-gym and relaxation room, and created various walking groups. Staff take part in exercise groups, occasional massage sessions and the annual Isle of Wight walking festival. The centre provides healthy eating options. Staff are also involved in a project growing herbs and vegetables at the on-site garden.
Royal Mail
Health issues are regularly discussed at monthly team meetings and many health promotions are run in response to requests. Bikes are subsidised to encourage people to cycle to work and employees have the opportunity to take advantage of free stress management sessions. Health screenings are available for blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking cessation clinics.
Toshiba
At Toshiba’s Weybridge office, staff took tips from Steve Cram on how to transfer sporting success to the corporate arena. Employees are offered flexible working where possible and can access a specially designed wellbeing website. On-site massage and showers for lunchtime joggers help to keep stress levels low.
Walsh's Hotel
Having a former UK Strongest Woman as a driving force has helped turn around the health of the Walsh’s Hotel workers. In the past staff would go all day without food. The introduction of a healthy staff menu and a walking challenge has encouraged many to improve their health. Staff goals now include losing weight, getting fit and leading less stressful lives.
Winchester City Council
Questionnaires were sent out to ask people for their preferences for activities and events. A programme was then developed including taster sessions, looking at alternative therapies and offering outdoor exercise opportunities. Employees play Frisbee, basketball, badminton, uni hock and five-a-side football. Everyone has been given a 'health at work mug' for drinking water from fountains dotted around the offices.