Tips for a healthy workplace
Every year, UK business loses millions of pounds due to employee sickness. While some sickness absence can’t be prevented, employers are increasingly realising that a healthy workplace can help to reduce absenteeism. Here are some tips for keeping your workplace healthy and your staff happy:
- carry out workstation risk assessments for all your staff – these can raise any potential health and safety issues, which you can then action to ensure that your employees are working safely at their desks
- offer free eye tests and prescription glasses for your employees – a small investment here can ensure your staff are fully equipped to work productively and safely
- choose office chairs that offer good back support – and encourage your staff to take regular breaks from their desk, to reduce the risk of back problems caused by sitting still all day
- identify the symptoms of workplace stress and put measures in place to deal with it if it arises in your employees – by taking preventative action, you can avoid having staff members signed off sick due to stress
- introduce initiatives such as a cycle to work scheme or a workplace football team, to encourage your employees to keep active and healthy
- make sure that your vending machines and catering facilities offer a good range of healthy drinks and snacks
- ensure that anyone doing manual work or heavy lifting is properly trained to carry it out safely – if you don’t, you could end up with employees injured and off work.
