Worcestershire Works Well

SUTCLIFFE & CO STRENGTHEN THEIR EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OFFERING WITH WORCESTERSHIRE WORKS WELL

As more spotlight is being put on the health and wellbeing of employees, Chamber Members Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers reflect on the importance of the Worcestershire Works Well scheme and the impact this has had on their business.

Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are currently working towards their Worcestershire Works Well Level 2 accreditation. Through their journey with Worcestershire Works Well, they have taken a good look at their own business and were pleasantly surprised to see that they were already doing quite a few things to promote wellbeing in the workplace. For example, holding regular ‘charity days’, investing in a defibrillator, and giving a day off for every employee to carry out voluntary work. Many other businesses may also realise that they are already doing great things but hadn’t stopped to think about them or raise awareness of them. Worcestershire Works Well has also helped Sutcliffe & Co focus on what more they can do to assist their colleagues and community, which in turn will have wider business benefits. One of the changes that has had the most impact was the appointment of a Mental Health First Aider Sue Smith. Sue was already one of the insurance brokers’ Mental Health Champions and doing a great job supporting others in the office; when they first heard about the role of Mental Health First Aider Sue was keen to take part in the training and gain the qualification. Since then, Sue has provided invaluable support to numerous people and has also been able to assist and help management in decisions involving individuals and the company as a whole. This success has led to invest in more colleagues receiving training in a range of wellness areas. This has had a beneficial influence on the culture of their business and a positive outcome on productivity and profitability. “Our business has been working from home for over a year now and the transition to returning to the office in the future will have good and bad aspects, which some will feel more than others. Hopefully the journey we are taking with Worcestershire Works Well will enable this transition to run as smoothly as possible.” Says Director Duncan Sutcliffe. Worcestershire Works Well is a free accreditation scheme designed to support businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. Improved employee health and wellbeing has been shown repeatedly to improve profitability and productivity of businesses. For more information on how the scheme can help your business or if you are interested in taking part, please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/

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Our business has been working from home for over a year now and the transition to returning to the office in the future will have good and bad aspects, which some will feel more than others.

HEALTH CASH PLANS: GOOD FOR STAFF, GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Employee health and wellbeing has been increasing in importance across the globe in recent years – and for any businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire not yet investing in healthcare benefits, now is the time to start thinking about joining the millions who are already doing so.

The last year has seen many businesses refocus on looking after their team’s physical, emotional, mental and financial health, recognising that this is increasingly essential to individuals and has a positive impact on their business goals too. There’s a wealth of research which proves the links between a healthier workforce and higher productivity, lower sickness and presenteeism rates, more loyalty towards the company, and a raft of other beneficial side effects. With the after-effects of the worst health crisis any of us has ever experienced still to be fully realised, the majority of companies are now looking at how they can implement policies, procedures and benefits which will ease transitions, minimise the fallout of the pandemic and maximise their team’s long-term health prospects.

WHAT’S THE WORKPLACE IMPACT OF POOR HEALTH?

The most obvious impact of poor health is seen when employees aren’t able to come into work at all, with the average employee recording 5.8 days of sickness absence each year1, and mental health absences alone costing £14billion. But in addition to this is the problem of presenteeism – when someone really should be off sick, but they continue working – which is estimated to cost UK businesses £15.1billion annually2 . Productivity, engagement, morale, and loyalty are also not immune – all of these suffer when there is little, or no thought given to employee health. That’s why we see productivity increase 12% in workplaces where mental health is addressed3, £5 returned to businesses for every £1 they invest in mental health support4, and sick leave reducing for a third of organisations as a direct result of health and wellbeing benefits being implemented1 .

Stephen Burton-Pye, Paycare Corporate Account Manager

HOW CAN AN ORGANISATION SUPPORT ITS WORKERS?

So, we know why managers are looking for ways to reduce the burden and show their teams they care about their wellbeing; but there are so many options, it can be difficult to know how to implement benefits which are going to be reasonably priced yet highly impactive. Almost a quarter of businesses opt to provide a Health Cash Plan for their employees5 – not only to support their physical and mental health but also to reward, recognise and retain staff. Stephen Burton-Pye, Corporate Account Manager from Paycare, explains why: “For many of the organisations who choose to join us at Paycare, introducing a Health Cash Plan is a really effective method of retaining staff by showing them how invested the business is in their wellbeing, as well as being an attractive benefit for job seekers too. “In simple terms, a Health Cash Plan gives the Policyholder cash back on a range of healthcare costs, from routine dental treatment and annual eyesight examinations, to reflexology, hypnotherapy and acupuncture. “For employees, the Plan gives them the security that they don’t have to worry about costs when it comes to their healthcare – and encourages them to seek professional support when they have an injury or illness they might otherwise overlook. “It also helps support a positive workplace culture around health – there’s no need to fret about being unwell or needing to pop for a doctor’s appointment or physiotherapy consultation when you work somewhere which has prioritised your

healthcare needs in such a proactive way. “As well as healthcare claims, Plans also offer staff the chance to speak to someone independently and confidentially about any worries they might be experiencing through an Employee Assistance Programme. Especially given the long-term impact of the pandemic, this can be a total lifeline for those experiencing issues including (but in no way limited to) relationship breakdowns, financial worries, or stress. “There’s also access to a GP App which allows for round the clock telephone or video appointments with a practising NHS doctor, at a time to suit. With no need to get to the surgery, organise childcare, or think about any of the other practical considerations associated with a face-to-face appointment, it really is a much simpler process for Policyholders – and hugely minimised waiting times are an added bonus, too. “By having support available at their fingertips, without the worry of cost, staff are able to seek support for any worries they might be experiencing, are empowered to focus on their health, and better able to approach the subject of wellbeing with their managers.” For more information, visit paycare.org/ health-cash-plans.

A WELLBEING BOOST

Alongside Health Cash Plans, more businesses every month are realising the importance of mental health awareness and training when it comes to supporting staff with a range of wellbeing concerns. That’s why in 2019, Paycare launched its dedicated Paycare Wellbeing Division which offers a flexible range of training for organisations across the UK. Wellbeing Manager, Kerry B Mitchell and her team offer Mental Health First Aid England accredited courses (half-day, one-day and two-day options available) both face-to-face and virtually, as well as bespoke training designed to fit around the needs of your organisation. The courses focus on knowing the potential signs and symptoms associated with mental ill health, an introduction to a range of conditions, and guidance around supporting a colleague in crisis. They empower individuals to feel confident in signposting colleagues to relevant organisations, and in broaching conversations around mental health. Simply visit paycare.org/mhfa for more information, or to get in touch with the Paycare Wellbeing team. Sources:

There’s also access to a GP App which allows for round the clock telephone or video appointments with a practising NHS doctor, at a time to suit.

1. https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/health-and-well-being2020-report_tcm18-73967.pdf 2. https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/ default/files/2018-09/managing_presenteeism.pdf 3. https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/resources/mentalhealth-in-the-workplace-guide 4. https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consulting/ articles/mental-health-and-employers-refreshing-thecase-for-investment.html 5. https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/health-and-well-being2020-report_tcm18-73967.pdf