Employers Have a Legal Duty to Protect the Health, Safety and Welfare of their Employees
Supporting Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
Did you know that employers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to support the mental health, safety and wellbeing of all their employees? But what does this mean in practice? Do you consider that your employer does support your wellbeing?
In today’s dynamic work landscape, prioritising the health and wellbeing of employees has become paramount. Fostering a workplace culture that prioritises and champions physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing doesn’t just bolster productivity, it also cultivates a profound sense of fulfilment and loyalty among employees.
So, whilst employers may have a legal duty, an authentic focus on employee wellbeing makes complete commercial sense.
This piece will explore actionable strategies and initiatives to robustly support workplace health and wellbeing. Naturally, what can be realistically actioned will vary according to the size and type of the company.
So, does your employer support your wellbeing? Read through this article and re-consider that question. And if you think you employer should be doing more, perhaps its time to make some suggestions via your line manager!
Promoting Physical Activity
Encouraging regular physical activity among employees is fundamental to their overall wellbeing. Simple measures like organising walking meetings, providing ergonomic workstations, or instituting fitness challenges can integrate movement into the workday.
Larger companies often invest in onsite fitness facilities. For small companies, subsidising gym memberships is generally a more realistic approach. Each option demonstrates a commitment to employees’ physical health and vitality.
Fostering a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment is foundational to nurturing employee wellbeing. Central to this endeavour is cultivating a culture characterised by inclusivity, respect, and appreciation.
Key practices such as acknowledging and commemorating accomplishments, fostering collaborative efforts, and establishing transparent communication channels all play pivotal roles in fostering a workplace atmosphere that is supportive and uplifting.
Offering Flexible Work Arrangements
Embracing flexible work arrangements empowers employees to better manage their professional and personal lives. Whether through telecommuting options, flexible scheduling, or compressed workweeks, providing flexibility demonstrates trust in employees’ abilities to deliver results while accommodating their individual needs and preferences.
As from 6th April 2024, the right to request flexible working applies from day one of employment. Employers have a duty to consider flexible working requests and can only refuse a request on very specific grounds. They must convey their decision to the employee withing two months of the application.
Providing Mental Health Support
Addressing mental health concerns openly and proactively is crucial for employee wellbeing.
Confidential counselling services, mental health resources, and resilience training equip employees with tools to navigate stress and challenges effectively.
Furthermore, championing a culture of empathy and understanding serves to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health concerns, thereby fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek assistance when necessary.
In small companies, it may not be possible to offer counselling services, but often a small team enables a much higher level of empathy and compassion.
Encouraging Work-Life Balance
Balancing work commitments with personal life is essential for long-term wellbeing. Employers can facilitate this by setting realistic workloads, encouraging breaks, and discouraging overtime.
Encouraging employees to disconnect from work during non-working hours promotes rejuvenation and prevents burnout.
Providing Health Education and Resources
Empowering employees with knowledge about health-related topics enables them to make informed choices. Whilst, as we have mentioned, employers have a duty of care, employees also must take responsibility for their own health and safety in the workplace. So, if you feel your employer is not providing appropriate support, the onus is on you to highlight this omission.
Offering workshops, seminars, or online resources on nutrition, stress management, and mindfulness equips employees with practical strategies for enhancing their wellbeing. Providing access to health screenings and preventive care services further promotes proactive healthcare management.
Every workplace with 25 or more must have an appointed first aider, extending to one first aider for every 100 employees. Does your employer meet that requirement? If not, speak to your line manager and perhaps suggest that you take a First Aid at Work course yourself. There are lots of options across the country including in person and online courses.
This first aid at work course Bristol, for example, equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to medical emergencies in the workplace, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all.
Implementing Wellness Programs
Tailored wellness programs cater to diverse employee needs and interests. From fitness challenges and meditation sessions to nutrition workshops and yoga classes, these initiatives foster camaraderie and support holistic wellbeing. By integrating wellness into the organisational culture, employers demonstrate a commitment to prioritising employee health and happiness.
Even for a small company, it isn’t uncommon for the team perhaps to attend a regular yoga class together.
Conclusion
Elevating Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace: Prioritising the health and wellbeing of employees is paramount for nurturing a dynamic and resilient workforce. Employers can achieve this by deploying a range of strategies, including promoting physical activity, fostering a positive work environment, embracing flexible work arrangements, offering robust mental health support, advocating for work-life balance, providing comprehensive health education and resources, and integrating impactful wellness programs. These initiatives collectively cultivate a culture of wellbeing that boosts employee satisfaction and engagement and enhances overall performance and organisational success.
So, what do you think? Does your employer support your wellbeing? And if not, what actions might you take to improve the situation?