There are now 2.5 million people who are out of work due to long-term sickness, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics, the highest number since records began. 

A steep rise of nearly 75,000 people off work with long-term health conditions in the last three months alone!

These stats are scary… and alarm bells have been ringing at these figures rising at a rapid rate, for well over a year.

Every time I’ve had the radio on of late, I’ve heard about absenteeism… there’s lots of conversations and posts on social media too. It’s hot topic in the media. But… is it hot topic in the ‘office’?

Well-being needs to be on the agenda – stat!

For everyone… but most definitely in the workplace, with it being where most of us spend most of our time. Workplace well-being relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment, to how workers feel about their work, their working environment, the climate at work and organisation.

Worker’s well-being is a key factor in determining an organisation’s long-term effectiveness. Many studies show a direct link between productivity levels and the general health and well-being of the workforce. The most important resources being human resources – people. People!  

Life is stressful at best… full on, fast paced.

Stress, anxiety and overwhelm are feelings mostly expressed.

Throw a pandemic into the mix, and a cost of living crisis… we’re heading for oblivion! So much out of our control. Our health and well-being is something that we can control, on the whole. We each need to take responsibility for ourselves, and employers should be supportive and encouraging of this too.      

Well-being is everyone’s business.

Simple things you can implement into your working day…

• Be sure to get a proper break / lunchbreak away from your desk or workspace. Too many people power through, multitasking and don’t have that down time. Take a break, step away.
• Go for a walk – get some steps in. Set up a work steps challenge… release some endorphins and get a hit of vitamin D. A little boost to see you through.
• Take 10 for grounding / breathing / meditation – quiet the mind and create calm. Focus on senses/surroundings/breathing. Hit pause and reset. This takes no time to do and is so powerful!  

Employers, boss men and women… encourage the above. Speak with your staff and get feedback, input on well-being initiatives… it’s in your interest to do so.

• Host well-being taster sessions – invite health and well-being practitioners into the workplace and encourage staff to try different sessions, get informed on health topics.
• Offer discounts off wellness sessions and activities, gyms and leisure facilities – get on the corporate discount bandwagon.
• Give employees volunteer days – to volunteer their time at local charities. A positive thing for all parties.

These are just a handful of suggestions… speak to your people. Take action! Boost employee well-being and job satisfaction.

It’s World Well-Being Week 23 – 30 June 2023… get your thinking caps on and make it a big deal.