Workplace Wellbeing Consultation for
East Sussex Employers
We are launching a survey for business owners, senior leaders, managers and HR, Occupational Health or Health and Safety representatives. Through this anonymous survey, we are looking to gather information on the health and wellbeing challenges workplaces are facing; as well as suggestions of what further support related to workplace wellbeing would be useful.
We all know that healthy staff are more productive and take less time off sick. What we might not know is that the most common causes of long-term absence, according to the CIPD 2020 Health and Wellbeing at Work survey, are mental ill health, musculoskeletal injuries (including back pain) and work-related stress, all of them preventable. Considering this, supporting our colleagues and employees health and wellbeing in the workplace has never been more important.
We would like to hear from you in this short survey. Your answers will inform our new Healthy Workplace Programme for East Sussex, to ensure that any future support and information provided is useful, relevant and meets your needs.
The survey is due to close on 15th October.
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Time for Better Health
Public Health England has just launched Better Health, a new campaign to support individuals in their weight loss journeys. 1 out of 4 men and nearly 1 out of 3 women are overweight or living with obesity. This is almost two thirds (63%) of adults in England.
Modern life and office-based jobs where people spend long periods of time sitting in front of a computer or TV have a major impact on weight management. COVID-19 was a wake-up call for the majority of us. It’s time to get our health back on track and change our behaviour for better.
One You East Sussex provides remote support for everyone who would like to lose weight. They also offer NHS Health Checks, which is an initial assessment of no longer than 15 minutes designed to pick up on any early signs of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and other health conditions, with a follow-up phone call to discuss results. NHS Health Checks can be offered in your workplace to all your staff between 40-74 years old living in East Sussex (excluding Brighton). If you are interested, please contact One You East Sussex on 01323 404600. If you'd like to arrange a workplace visit, please contact Fergal McAleer at fergal.mcaleer@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk
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Returning to Work
Some businesses may be looking to reopen or have their employees back in the workplace. Employers must plan how their staff can return to work in a way that cares for their wellbeing, and how to make workplaces safe by following COVID-secure guidelines. The CIPD has created a guide for employers to help them plan their next steps with three key tests: Is it essential? Is it sufficiently safe? Is it mutually agreed?
Read the CIPD guide »
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Preventing Back Pain
Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common causes of long-term absence from work. A good desk set up and some regular stretches can be invaluable to help prevent lower back pain, especially for those who spend a long time sitting in front of a computer. The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics have put together a helpful interactive ergonomic guide that you may like to share with your workforce.
Take a Look »
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Managing Redundancies
New research conducted by the Citizen's Advice has shown that parents, carers and disabled people are at least twice as likely to face redundancy during the pandemic as the rest of the working population. Supporting your staff at risk of redundancy is crucial to minimise the financial and emotional impact of COVID-19. Acas has created a very useful guide on how to manage redundancies and support staff through this difficult period.
Read the Guide »
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Get Ready for Stoptober
Stoptober is national campaign to encourage smokers to make a quit attempt for the month of October, and beyond. Research shows that if you can quit for 28 days, you have more chances to change your behaviour permanently. One You East Sussex provide free support to quit smoking, and with their help you are four times more likely to quit for good! This is a great opportunity to encourage your staff and colleagues who always wanted to stop smoking but never managed to succeed.
See the Campaign »
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East Sussex Active Travel Challenge is ON
From 1st to 31st October, anyone who lives and works in East Sussex is being challenged to travel actively by swapping the car to walking, running or cycling, and win prizes worth £1500. It's free and easy to participate. All you and your staff need to do is register and start logging your journeys at eastsussex.getmeactive.org.uk.
The Challenge can become a fun and healthy competition in your workplace, or against other organisations and individuals across the county. Homeworkers can log their journeys at home too, and this can be a great way to encourage colleagues to have a break and walk, run or cycle. Any journey counts, no matter if it’s your usual commute, a trip to the shops or the school run. And you can share your progress on social media and join the movement using the hashtag #eastsussexchallenge
Participants who log more than 20 journeys will be entered into a grand prize draw to win a choice between a new bike or a £300 voucher to stay at the Rye Lodge Hotel.
Sign up and get active this autumn!
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Warning Signs - Together We Can Prevent Suicide
On 10th September, we celebrated World Suicide Prevention Day. It is estimated that 800,000 people die worldwide by suicide every year, and the suicide rates among men are, on average, 3.5 times higher than women.
In these stressful times it is even more important to discuss mental health issues openly and look out for each other. That’s why the Sussex Health and Care Partnership has launched the new 'Warning Signs' suicide prevention campaign. The campaign is aimed at men, but promoting it in your workplace can help all your staff and colleagues at risk of suicide.
When someone is contemplating suicide, there may be warning signs in their words and actions. Knowing how to spot these signs and what you can do to help, such as asking a direct question and being ready to listen, could save a life. The campaign’s website provides specific advice and links to specialist support to those in crisis or for work colleagues, friends and family concerned about someone they know.
Suicide can be a difficult topic to talk about. If you’d like further support on how to handle those challenging conversations, have a look at the Zero Suicide Alliance free e-learning at the training section of this newsletter.
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Future Fit
Wealden Council are delivering a series of free webinars in partnership with Locate East Sussex and the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, on how to improve your business and ensure it is fit for the future. Through these webinars, you will reflect on how you can run your business smarter by making small changes such as optimising your workplace, financial planning or improving levels of wellbeing, that can have a major impact on productivity. The webinars will be on 16th October, 22nd October and 4th November.
Book your place here »
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Suicide Prevention
Financial constraints, redundancies, anxiety caused by uncertainty and concerns about emotional and physical wellbeing have led to an increase on suicide rates during the pandemic. Do you know that suicide is preventable? In September we celebrated World Suicide Prevention Day and raised awareness on the importance of suicide prevention. See how you can have a life-saver conversation with a staff member or a work colleague in this 20-minute free online training created by Zero Suicide Alliance.
Take a Look »
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If we can support you in anyway, contact us: healthy.workplace@eastsussex.gov.uk
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Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to colleagues as well so that they can sign-up too. |
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