Healthy staff make good business, says Royal Institute of Public Health

Newly published research shows that health and well-being programmes in the workplace can deliver a return on investment of 6 to 1, through lower absence rates and improved productivity. This was one of the key messages at the official launch of the Royal Institute of Public Healthís new 'health signposting' qualification ñ 'Understanding Health Improvement' ñ on Wednesday 21 November, 2007.

Targeted at employers of different sizes, the launch attracted a diverse audience included representatives from Microsoft and Cancer Research UK, and from The Princeís Foundation for Integrated Health and Camden Primary Care Trust.

Case studies were presented to show how Carphone Warehouse, Royal Mail and T Allen Stockholders Ltd ñ a small private company in Derbyshire ñ benefitted from the introduction of workplace health trainers.

The message from the speakers was that peer communication and support are most effective in influencing staff to change their behaviour and choose a healthier lifestyle. As each employer tends to have its own culture, staff ñ rather than healthcare professionals ñ are best placed to guide employees towards eating more healthily, doing more exercise, stopping smoking and drinking responsibly.

The business advantages of supporting staff health and well-being bring tangible financial benefits too, as demonstrated by Vielife Ltd ñ a company specialising in health and well-being programmes. Its research shows that 25% of total healthcare costs are directly attributable to lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, excessive alcohol and smoking, and that health intervention programmes in the workplace can have a big impact on the business bottom line.

Anyone interested in offering this qualification to their staff should contact Nicki Alvey or Tony Varey at the Royal Institute of Public Health or see: