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NHS DONCASTER LAUNCHES HEALTHY WORKPLACE AWARD

Encouraging Doncaster businesses to be the best by going for gold

As the Olympics draw nearer, a local NHS service is urging Doncaster business bosses to help their workers stay healthy and productive by going for gold.

Research suggests that employees take an average of seven days a year off work for health reasons and it’s estimated that mental health problems account for about 40 per cent of this figure.

So, in a bid to boost productivity and reduce absenteeism, NHS Doncaster’s Better Workplace – Better Mental Health team have launched a new Healthy Workplace Award, which focuses on eight key topics, including physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and muscle and joint problems. The award offers firms a chance to gain bronze, silver and gold standards for the way they manage worker and workplace care.

The team are funded by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund to work with companies and family doctors to improve health and emotional well-being in the workplace and encourage people with stress, anxiety and depression back into work. They also provide related training for mental health awareness and help with return to work plans for absent employees.

Jane Jefferson, NHS Doncaster’s Mental Health Project Facilitator, said: “Promoting health at work makes good business sense as it can improve performance, reduce staff turnover and enhance an organisation’s reputation and image. We work closely with local family doctors to promote return to work to their patients as part of rehabilitation and recovery.

“We hope that Doncaster businesses will recognise the benefits of having good health in the workforce and choose to work towards our standard.”

Businesses who would like to register for the Healthy Workplace Award should ring Jane on 01302 566377 or email bwp-bmh@doncasterpct.nhs.uk