WorkHealthy CambridgeshireZoe Cross,

Health Improvement Advisor (Workplaces)

zoe.cross@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

The facts

• The average employee spends 8 hours a day at work• Inactive employees are less productive by 5-6 hours per week than active

employees (Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine 2007)• 26% of the workforce are living with a health condition or disability• 24% of the adult population are obese and this is set to rise to 40% in

2025 (www.ic.nhs.uk)• Research shows that the implementation of a structured workplace health

and wellbeing programme can decrease sickness absence by 30-40% and improve job satisfaction by 10-25% (PriceWaterhouseCooper, 2008)

Health in Cambridgeshire(ERPHO health profiles 2010)

Adult population

• 1 in 5 Smoke• 1 in 5 Binge Drink• 1 in 8 physically active • 1 in 4 obese

How can a healthierlifestyle help?Being physically active can reduce the risk of/alleviate:•Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease•Osteoporosis•Stress/Depression•Certain Cancers (colon and breast)•Type 2 Diabetes•Poor sleepEating well can help reduce the risk of:•Certain cancers (bowel, stomach, oesophagus, mouth, breast)•Obesity•Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease•Low energy levels•High blood pressure

How can a healthierlifestyle help?Quitting Smoking can improve:

• Energy levels• Immune system• Levels of stress• Length of life

Reducing consumption of alcohol so that it is not regularly above the recommended daily limit can reduce the risk of:

• Liver problems• High blood pressure• Heart attack • Some cancers

What will you gain as an organisation?Reduce the cost of workplace absence through sickness, increasing productivity: Studies have shown physically active employees take 27% fewer sick days (Health, Work and Wellbeing Programmes 2008)

Several programmes have seen rates lower by 12-36% and a reduction in absenteeism costs of 35% (Kreis J and Bodeker W, 2004)

•Maximise staff potential and morale•Improve communications and working relationships within the team•Show your commitment to staff’s health and wellbeing•A happier work environment and workforce•Improve recruitment and improve your corporate image in the Community:

Well designed wellness programmes can increase employee job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover by 10-25% (Pricewaterhouse Coopers, 2008)

How can WorkHealthy Cambridgeshirehelp?• Workplace Health champions FREE training for employees to

support your Employee Health and wellbeing (H&WB) programme

• Free Mental Health First Aid Lite Training• ‘Camquit’ Stop Smoking service• Signposting and referrals to other NHS Services, and other

partners who can support employers H&WB programme • Free access to employee H&WB best practice events including

Practitioner networks• Free resources

WorkHealthy CambridgeshireZoe Cross,

Health Improvement Advisor (Workplaces)

zoe.cross@cambridgeshire.gov.uk