intelligent

Sarah Carter , Head of Account Management , Onebright

ANY COMPANY CHOOSING TO MAKE HEALTH

AND WELLBEING

AT WORK A PRIORITY AND LOOKING TO IMPLEMENT INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH

CAN FIRST MEASURE WHAT IS INTENDED TO

BE IMPROVED .

Measurement also encourages early intervention to aid recovery . Taking steps to prevent poor health from developing is more effective than waiting until people become ill .

In troubling times when an employee needs additional support , employers equipped with the right skills to recognise the early warning signs are very important , as is having the confidence to encourage professional help where necessary .

By becoming more informed and aware , employees and managers can spot the signs sooner rather than later . This reduces the likelihood of mild symptoms becoming more severe and can make recovery easier .

For organisations that invest in supporting their people ’ s mental health , the return on investment is anything between £ 5 and £ 11 for every £ 1 spent .

These figures come from a combination of increased productivity , performance and collaboration and reduced presenteeism , absenteeism and staff turnover . Those who reduce their investment in workplace mental health support may be paying for it in other ways , however , this may not be immediately obvious as most organisations are not tracking or reporting on this .

Essentially , the mental fitness of your team is already determining productivity , engagement and morale . Creating more understanding around mental health in the workplace and its impact can help drive the decisions being made , creating a positive culture and supportive interactions . When each person has optimal mental fitness , challenges become opportunities so individuals and businesses can thrive . Organisations that proactively manage mental health derive multiple benefits .

How can you use data to improve the wellbeing of employees ?

Any company choosing to make health and wellbeing at work a priority and looking to implement initiatives to promote good health can first measure what is intended to be improved . Appointing a specialist company to carry out an audit of your current provision can help you to understand what is working well and where the gaps are . It can also help you to plan for future workforce changes .

Utilising data and insights for measurement allows you to mitigate risk and optimise working conditions , as well as identify anomalies and trends . It can also influence positive corporate cultural and organisational change and address key issues and drive up