New award recognises role of employee health in improving business performance

Investors in People today launched a new award to recognise employers who have strengthened their organisation by investing in the health and wellbeing of employees.

This follows extensive research which shows that effective and proactive management of health and wellbeing can improve business performance by increasing productivity, reducing sickness and absenteeism and enhancing employee retention.

Backed by the Department of Health, Investors in People worked with over 400 organisations to develop and pilot the comprehensive, practical guidance that is delivered by trained advisors and assessors.

Feedback shows that employers experience real improvements to health and wellbeing within their organisation as a result of working with the Good Practice Award framework.

To celebrate achievement those employers that meet the requirements of the health and wellbeing framework will be recognised with the new Investors in People Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award.

The first organisations to achieve this accolade were presented with their certificates by Dame Carol Black - the government's National Director for Health and Work - at a special awards ceremony in London. These include Claridges, Kimberly-Clarke and Suffolk Primary Care Trust.

Jane Jones, acting Chief Executive of Investors and People UK, said: “Over the past five years we have worked with some of the UK’s leading employers to analyse the role of health and wellbeing in the workplace. This isn’t just about fruit and gym membership, and nor is it about perks or ‘nice to haves’. It’s about embedding health and wellbeing into the culture of the business to ensure everyone benefits. The organisations we have worked with recognise these benefits and we believe this new award will help others reap the same rewards.”

Dame Carol Black DBE said: “Improving the health of the UK’s workforce will have a critical impact not only on individuals, but on businesses and the UK economy as a whole. There are simple steps that all organisations can take to ensure that the wellbeing of employees. Focusing on specific health issues is obviously important; however employers should not underestimate the role that better management and engagement of employees can have on the wellbeing – and ultimately productivity - of their workforce.”