Improving health

Sep 29 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

MORE than 100 of the region’s business leaders gathered this week to discover how to improve workplace health.

Now in its second year the Fit for life, Fit for work, Fit for the future conference aims to inspire the region’s employers to combat business issues by improving the mental and physical health of the workforce.

The event, organised by manufacturers’ organisation EEF Northern, has gained momentum as the North-East is reported to have the worst levels of sickness absence in the UK. Representatives from large national organisations and regional SMEs attended the conference and demonstrated their commitment to improve the health of the North-East workforce.

Joanne Holborn, head of legal at EEF Northern said “We have had an excellent response to the event.

“It is a credit to the North-East that so many employers are taking steps to improve the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

“UK Specialists in workplace health spoke to employers from across the region on how to improve the health of their workforce.

“Innovators within their field passed on their knowledge and experiences to encourage North-East employers to see a vision of the future of working practices.”

The Government’s National Director for Health and Work gave the audience an insight into the Government’s future plans in workplace health.

Professor Dame Carol Black said “It is essential to support employers to improve the health of their workforce. One key area is to ensure that people with health conditions and disabilities are supported to enter, return to and continue in work.”

David Lennan, chairman Work Wise UK, who addressed the conference on smarter working practices, said that “flexible working, utilising technology and introducing alternative methods of performance monitoring have been proven to improve productivity, employee motivation and be of significant benefit to business”.

Other speakers were Dr Paul Litchfield, BT Group Chief Medical Officer, whose initiatives have reduced mental health sickness absence by 30%.

Alan Hinkes, Britain’s most successful high altitude climber, spoke of the importance of mental and physical health.

Mr Hinkes also highlighted the important role efficient rehabilitation has played in his successful career.