We all know that the most valuable asset of any organisation is the employees, and that happy and healthy employees are productive employees. But also, and perhaps most importantly, unhealthy, stressed and unproductive workers can cost you a lot of money.
Inactive lifestyles, sedentary work and stressful working environments are making UK workers some of the most miserable in the developed countries. Research shows we take an average of 9.1 sick days a year, and that cost our employers £28.8bn in 2013. So why aren’t we all investing in our employees?
There are a few common barriers that stop organisations effectively investing time and money in their employees’ health and wellbeing.
Barrier 1: It’s nobody’s responsibility
Provision and promotion of health and wellbeing is rarely included in anyone’s job description, causing lack of ownership and dooming any campaign or project to fail.
A typical example, taken from our real life experience: “Organisation A” with just over 200 employees has a very small and busy HR team. When some staff expressed a desire to have the Cycle to Work scheme it took the HR team over two years to put it in place, and then the uptake wasn’t great, even though there was plenty of cycle parking and shower facilities on the site.
Those who wanted the scheme in the first place got their bikes, while others weren’t even aware of the scheme.
What was the problem? Lack of ownership meant it was just another task the HR team had to squeeze into their busy schedule, and no one in the team had the responsibility for it, so they didn’t prioritise its success.
Solution: Make it part of someone’s job
This can be done in two ways. First, give the responsibility to someone in your organisation. Make sure the person is happy to take the new task on, allocate them enough time and resources.
However, you may not always have someone who has the knowledge and the passion needed. Therefore the second option – outsourcing – may be a way forward. An individual with the right set of skills, knowledge and experience can be based on or off site, and will work with your organisation to identify your needs and offer engagement that works for you and your employees.
Barrier 2: Lack of knowledge
Promoting active and healthy lifestyles isn’t easy. It’s not just about handing out leaflets with some hot tips. We humans are creatures of habit, we like routine. Our earlier example shows that having the right facilities and a Cycle to Work scheme isn’t enough.
You need to empower people to make better choices, help them change their behaviour and break their habits. Often people that have the task to promote health and wellbeing do not have the right skills, knowledge or experience to do so.
Solution: Let the experts do their job
There are a few ways to seek out professional help. Your first choice is the one already mentioned, identifying an in-house expert. You need someone who brings tested methodology, and makes it work for your organisation and your employees.
Your second option is to empower your own employees by introducing a workplace champion scheme. You may already have proactive people in your organisation so utilise those skills and character traits!
You could also look for promotional tools and resources developed by professionals. A good example is a workplaces challenge. This isn’t only a great way to promote health and fitness, it’s also a great team building and morale boosting exercise. Most challenges can be done at any time of the year; they come with online and mobile tools, and a promotional package.
Barrier 3: Funding scarcity
The UK economy is just starting to recover from the double-dip recession and many organisations are still very careful about what they spend their money on. Often there are very little disposable funds available.
Solution: Work with other organisations
Sharing costs with other local businesses is a great way to cut down on spending, but still achieve great results.
Collaboration with other organisations gives you a chance to share knowledge and experience, as well as create networking opportunities. It also makes it easier to start up running clubs, pair up bike buddies, and share some facilities like information stands and cycle parking.
How Sustrans can help
At Sustrans we have the know-how, the tried and tested behaviour change methodology that really makes a difference, and the enthusiasm and experience. We work with a range of organisations and see success stories all the time.
Find out more about Sustrans works with employers to increase the number of employees travelling actively and sustainably.
from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/barriers-and-solutions-investing-employees%E2%80%99-health-and-wellbeing
via IFTTT
source https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/164057259295
No comments:
Post a Comment