Private sector health initiatives

Improving the health of a workforce is good for both the individuals and their employer. But it is often easier said than done. What can local government learn from the private sector?

Despite rising life expectancy and employment rates, Britain still has a problem with workforce sickness. Confederation of British Industry figures show that the number of lost working days has risen in recent years. They are now estimated to have hit 175 million a year.

The recent report by Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, called on employers – both public and private sector – to do more to care for their staff. She said some of the big private companies were leading the way and urged others to follow.

Work Fit – British Telecom

One of the most proactive companies in this field is British Telecom (BT). The telecommunications giant launched its health promotion programme ‘Work Fit’ three years ago. It is a predominantly internet-based course and encourages staff to make small changes to improve their health and wellbeing.

Themes for health

The first big push was on nutrition and exercise in September 2005. The scheme, involving more than 16,000 people – about 15 per cent of the workforce, included setting participants weekly tasks to do through email bulletins. These covered things like improving diet and increasing exercise.

Staff were given free pedometers, a health information booklet and a tape measure to record waist size. Every week they had to record three sets of data – their weight, waist circumference and total number of steps taken. Those who wished to could get personal support from a lifestyle adviser.

A follow-up survey showed that six months later 75 per cent of those who had taken part had maintained lifestyle improvements. The average weight loss was 2.3kg.

Counselling offered

A year later a positive mentality scheme was launched. This reflected the fact that one-in-four people suffer mental health problems at some point in their lives.

The approach was similar to the lifestyle course. However, this programme gave advice on how personal relationships, relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise could relieve depression, stress and anxiety.

Again, those who needed more intensive help were given advice by counsellors. It ran for a total of 16 weeks and led to a 30 per cent reduction in mental health sickness.

Heidi Howarth, a BT Customer Service Manager, was one of the people helped by the scheme. She had been suffering from depression following a serious car crash. She says:

“The counselling I had made a world of difference and the positive support maintained by both my management and colleagues kept me in touch with the world. I doubt an employer could have done more.”

And the latest scheme to be rolled out as part of the ‘Work Fit’ initiative is related to cancer.

BT’s 108,000 employees – and 176,000 retired staff – have been given information on spotting the early signs of cancer and how to reduce their risk. This was presented through the internet and during work-based ‘road shows’.

Dr Paul Litchfield, BT’s Chief Medical officer, says:

“BT takes pride in the way it supports people who develop illnesses. But we want to go beyond that and help them avoid ill health in the first place so they can lead happier and more productive lives.”

But BT is far from the only company taking a proactive approach on the issue of health at work.

Occupational health screening at the Royal Mail

The Royal Mail Group runs a ‘health bus’ which visits offices throughout the country.
The nurse staffing this service offers a range of health checks and lifestyle advice. This is complemented by the health and fitness clinics set up at the group’s larger sites.

Staff are also given access to a 24-hour telephone health contact centre. They are guaranteed occupational health screening and counselling where necessary. Two years ago, the group’s sick absence rate among its 190,000 staff was seven per cent. It now stands at 4.6 per cent.

Stuart Wallace, Royal Mail’s Health Team Manager, says workplace health schemes are:

“One of the best benefits we can offer. Providing good health support and benefits to our people is one way we can communicate to them that they’re appreciated. It helps us attract and retain excellent people and keep them healthy at work. This also helps us maintain the highest levels of service for our customers.”

Boots’ people packs

And good practice can also been seen at Boots. It gives staff ‘people packs’ when they join containing health information, pedometers and fruit snacks.

In recent years, the pharmacy chain has also introduced healthier food in staff canteens and vending machines. And it runs healthy living events and a regular ‘Wednesday walks’ programme. This encourages employees to take a 25-minute ‘power walk’ around Boots’ headquarters each week.

Vanessa Hebditch of the Society of Occupational Medicine says:

“There is a lot of good work being done by the private sector and other smaller organisations. The public sector could learn much from them.”

She adds:

“Some have their own workplace health teams, others buy in services. And while it is arguably easier for the big employers to do this, there is nothing stopping others working in partnership to achieve it.”

She continues:

“Workplace health is so important – for both the employer and employee. It is only right that companies, councils and other organisations make sure they help their staff.”

Useful links: where to find out more

British Telecom website

Boots’ website

Royal Mail website

Society of Occupational Medicine website