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North Yorkshire’s Workplace Wellbeing Award is for organisations who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Applications update
We are currently not accepting applications whilst the award scheme is being reviewed.
Award under review
We are currently reviewing the award, how it is applied and how to make engagement in workplace health development easier and more rewarding.
Whilst we complete this review, the current well-being award application process is paused. You can however still find information on how to build a healthy workforce commitment and culture in your organisation from:
- workplace health - GOV.UK website
- how to support mental health at work - Mental Health Foundation website
- Mental Health At Work website
- workplace wellbeing - Heads Together website
- resources for employers - headspace website
- young people's mental health in the workplace - Mental Health at Work website
- financial wellbeing - Mental Health at Work website
- cost of living support for the self-employed - Money Helper website
- signposting to better health - MECC Link website
- Healthy Schools Award - Healthy Schools North Yorkshire website
Why is workplace wellbeing important?
Workplace health and wellbeing has become more important in recent years; there’s growing evidence to show that a healthy workforce is happier, more productive and less likely to be absent due to ill health.
Productive working days lost due to physical and mental health issues cost the UK economy approximately £77.5 billion a year. (Britain’s healthiest workplace report 2017)
After short-term illnesses the most common reasons for sickness absence are:
- musculoskeletal problems such as back pain
- mental health issues notably stress, depression and anxiety
As the UK workforce continues to age, there will be an increasing number of people living with long-term conditions so it is more important than ever to implement changes which allow the workforce to improve their health and wellbeing.
The Workplace Wellbeing Award encourages organisations to support their workforce to adopt healthier lifestyles. Small changes can make a big difference for example providing healthier food and drink choices and encouraging staff to walk up the stairs rather than take the lift. Physical activity programmes at work have been found to reduce absenteeism by up to 20%. The Workplace Wellbeing Award North Yorkshire recognises the efforts undertaken by many organisations to address health and wellbeing issues within the workplace.
Who can apply?
Any size or type of business for instance, a public, private or voluntary sector organisation as long as they are based in North Yorkshire.
How much does it cost?
The award scheme is free and includes one-to-one support and guidance every step of the way from initial sign up through to achievement of the award.
What does it involve?
There are three levels to the award which progresses from the bronze entry level to silver and then gold. Each level builds on previous achievements and has core corporate components relating to organisational culture, leadership and employee engagement along with specific lifestyle elements to deal with preventable ill health issues in the workplace.
Once you have submitted a signed application to join we will arrange to meet you to discuss the first steps, which will include:
- identifying the key health needs of your workforce;
- drawing up an action plan to address those needs; and
- identifying your workplace wellbeing champions.
Further information
The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2016 focused on the health and wellbeing of the working population. You can read the Director of Public Health reports on our partnerships website.
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