Channel 4’s Sleep Geek James Wilson will be on the Island later this month to speak at a special conference flying the flag for staff wellbeing across the public, private and third sectors.
The 3rd annual Workplace Wellbeing Workshop aims to inspire firms and organisations large and small to make a real commitment to health and wellbeing in their workplace, during a day of inspirational talks, networking and debate.
The sold-out event is a joint venture between the Isle of Man Government and the Chamber of Commerce and takes place at Mount Murray Golf Club on Thursday 15 November.
The principle that a healthy and valued workforce provides engaged and motivated staff lies at the heart of the conference. Delegates will look at factors which influence wellbeing both at work and at home, and learn how to help themselves and others overcome real-life hurdles – such as losing a loved one, coping with a medical diagnosis or tackling a high stress work project.
Expert speakers from on and off-Island will explore three diverse topics:
- Sleep: TV’s Sleep Geek will explain the importance of good, restorative sleep and how employees can be helped to overcome sleep problems
- Menopause: Sarah Davies from talkingmenopause.co.uk will host a session helping managers and leaders understand more about the menopause, recognise symptoms and their impact, and support colleagues experiencing them
- Active travel: A speaker from UK sustainable transport charity Sustrans will explain how walking or cycling to work can enhance workplace wellbeing, revealing practical ways this can be achieved for employers and staff
Sustrans’ session will show how the government’s Active Travel Strategy and Cycle to Work scheme can contribute to wellbeing in the widest sense, while encouraging people to become more physically active, more often.
As well as keynote speakers from the UK, the event offers an ideal networking opportunity for delegates to discover how other Isle of Man workplaces support staff wellbeing. Speakers from the Lisa Lowe Centre - home to Manx Cancer Help - will host ‘active listening’ sessions, offering a valuable opportunity for those attending to develop new skills.
Opinions, feedback and a lively exchange of views can be expected during a panel debate towards the end of the day hosted by Dan Davies, acting CEO at the Department of Home Affairs.
Organiser Michelle Poyzer from the Workplace Wellbeing Team at Public Health said:
’The conference is designed to look closely at those factors which can make working a challenge – it’s about work and life. We recognise the importance of the employee not just as a member of a workforce, but also as a member of a family, a community and as an individual.
She added:
‘In practical terms a workplace where staff wellbeing matters becomes an employer of choice, with talent drawn to organisations that value the employee. Organisations in the Island, including the government, are at different stages in their journey towards creating a culture of wellbeing. Our aim is to support them, no matter where they are on that journey.’
The workshop is sold out, but organisers will take contact details in the event of any cancellations. Please call +44 1624 642639.
Information on workplace wellbeing is available.
