Industry embraces health and wellbeing programmes for employees

Nuffield Proactive Health has announced that it is teaming up with some of the UKís most influential companies as it continues to introduce new programmes for organisations looking to encourage employees to make healthier decisions in the workplace.

Since January of this year Proactive has worked in partnership with the likes of Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Nestle, Sage and Vodafone in the development of innovative programmes. Proactive has seen the number of employees that benefit from its health and wellbeing services grow to over 120,000. Services are delivered via a network of 50 owned facilities, as well as within the premises of over 100 corporate clients and new network of 400 accredited physiotherapy clinics.

Chris Jessop, Chief Executive of Nuffield Proactive Health, commented ìWe are seeing a growing trend among our clients, both old and new, as they expand their commitment to employee health and wellness. The recruitment and retention of employees has become an increasingly important focus as we experience a period of relatively full employment in the UK. Employers will use the presence of high quality on-site gym facilities or health and wellbeing assessments as part of a benefits package to give them a differential advantage when looking to recruit and retain the best people. Equally, they are taking a much more positive approach to managing issues such as musculo-skeletal problemsî

ìEmployers are increasingly coming under the spotlight with regards to the UKís health. Obesity and smoking are two topical areas of concern. By enhancing health and wellness offerings in the workplace, businesses are demonstrating their duty of care to their people, as well as positioning the values of their business to all stakeholders. Other benefits can include improved performance and productivity from a fitter, sharper, more focused team; reduced sickness absence, lower insurance related healthcare costs, plus improved employee integration and team bonding.î