A limited number of places remain for representatives from business, public services and the third sector on a free one day workshop being held on Thursday 1 December. The event will see the launch of a new toolkit aimed at supporting organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.
The publication of the toolkit seeks to build momentum following a presentation in October that set out the importance of good wellbeing in the workplace and the benefits this can have for organisations of all sizes, as well as the wider economy.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said:
'Government is committed to enabling people to live healthier lives – but this cannot simply be confined to people’s private lives. When you consider the length of time we spend working – which is increasing as life expectancy rises – wellbeing in the workplace whether physical, mental or emotional, cannot be an afterthought. Many organisations, particularly larger ones, have done some encouraging work in championing workplace wellbeing, but there is more to do, particularly for smaller businesses.
'This workshop and the development of the free Healthy Workplace Toolkit demonstrate the commitment of the Government and the private sector to supporting organisations to improve the wellbeing of the Island’s workforce. Done correctly, we can reap the benefits of a healthier community and a growing economy: both proven benefits of this approach.'
The daylong workshop will offer organisations a practical step by step plan to introducing a workplace health and wellbeing programme or reinvigorating existing initiatives. It will provide practical hints, tips and skills to ensure that wellbeing is placed firmly on an organisation’s agenda which can build a productive, healthy and happy workforce.
The workshop will be facilitated by expert speakers from the UK and the Island, and will include a panel discussion. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with the event speakers and others who are working on wellbeing initiatives, so that they can share experiences and learning. Local suppliers will also be on hand to advise of the support they can provide.
The initiative is being driven by the Isle of Man’s Workplace Wellbeing Group, a collaboration between the public and private sectors, led by the Isle of Man Government and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce. It seeks to build on a key objective of the Island’s five year strategy for health and social care services: encouraging people to take greater responsibility for their own health, with a focus on prevention.
Micky Swindale, President of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, is encouraging local businesses and organisations to make the time to attend this valuable event and learn about the potential benefits of improving workplace wellbeing. She said:
'There is an improved level of productivity that can only come from a happy, healthy and engaged workforce. Developing and nurturing this culture is essential, not just to the Isle of Man’s competitive position, but also our potential as a society.'
In addition to funding from the Department of Health and Social Care the generous support of Robinson’s, Barclays, Global People Solutions, MannVend and Chatterbox People Solutions means that the event is free to attend. It is open to organisations of any size and type. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Anyone wishing to reserve a place should book online at www.workplacewellbeingworkshopiom.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information or to register an interest in the event of the workshop being fully booked, contact the Public Health Directorate on 642639 or email publichealthevents.dhsc@gov.im.
