Is workplace wellbeing about to change for the better?

The cost of living crisis and on-going post-pandemic challenges have caused concern for countless workers everywhere. Thankfully though, a new Westminster group has been set up to promote workplace wellbeing and the Occupational Health experts at YourGP are optimistic that it could lead to real and lasting change.

The launch of a new cross-party forum

The Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing was formally launched in Westminster on 5th September 2024. This new cross-party forum has been set up to address the critical issues facing the UK workforce today. The forum brings together parliamentarians, industry stakeholders, and charities with a clear aim to:

• Drive consensus
• Deliver policy recommendations
• Support effective government action

Why change is needed

A recent study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that the cost of staff sickness has risen by £30 billion a year to £103 billion. It also showed that workers in the UK are among the least likely to take sick days, compared to other European countries, and they are more likely to persevere at work through sickness – an issue referred to as ‘presenteesim’.

Presenteesim is often the result of poor work culture, limited access to sick pay and financial insecurity, and it can be detrimental to workers for many reasons including:

• Slower recovery time
• Increased risk of becoming ill again
• Risk of spreading infectious illnesses to others

All of these factors can have a negative impact on productivity, efficiency and staff morale, therefore affecting organisations on a much wider level and the problem is increasing. For example, the IPPR study found that employees lost the equivalent of 44 days’ productivity on average due to working through sickness, up from 35 days in 2018.

Our verdict

YourGP’s Occupational Health Physician, Dr McBride, welcomes the launch of the Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing as a positive step forward in helping to protect the UK workforce. She hopes that it will encourage employers everywhere to take a more holistic view of workplace wellbeing that factors in both physical and mental health, and reinforces their crucial duty of care.

Our team are here for you

YourGP’s Occupational Health experts are here to advise businesses how they can support their employees, protect their health and boost their wellbeing. For further information, simply call 0131 381 0322 or email occhealth@your.gp and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.