How the City of London can help your business reach ‘Excellence’ in work place health

The City of London has long recognised the importance of wellbeing in the workplace. Recent research showed that an average London firm of 250 employees loses around £4,800 per week (or around £250,000 a year) due to sickness absence; whilst a more engaged and motivated workforce leads to greater levels of productivity and lower staff turnover.  It goes without saying then that the City was one of the pilot authorities involved in the delivery of the London Healthy Workplace Charter when it commenced in 2012.  The Charter itself has undergone a few changes since then, and is now delivered across the capital and endorsed by the Mayor of London.  Most recently, the London region has adopted the national standards developed by Public Health England in 2015 to harmonise the framework across the UK – assisting those organisations with offices and workforces outside of London.

The London Healthy Workplace Charter

The Charter and supporting documents can be found at the Greater London Assembly website. A framework provides a series of standards that workplaces must meet and consists of the following key headings:

• Corporate support
• Health and safety
• Attendance management
• Physical activity
• Healthy eating
• Smoking cessation
• Substance use, and
• Mental health and well-being

Our officers work with organisations, not necessarily just within the Square Mile, to help them meet the standards and gain the Charter.  There has been an increasing interest in health & wellbeing generally and of organisations seeking recognition for the work they are undertaking. We actively help businesses to reach these goals. The City of London itself has received ‘Achievement’ on the Charter, and is aiming for Excellence at the next opportunity.

However, our role is more than just promotion of the Charter. With many years of experience in advising businesses, we are also able to assist with specific workplace health issues such as work-related stress.

So if you’re interested in applying for the Charter, or simply want some assistance with devising and implementing a wellbeing strategy in your workforce, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.