It’s no surprise that a healthy and motivated workforce is also a productive and resilient workforce. The CBI estimates that every year sickness absence costs the economy £17 billion and that the annual costs associated with working-age ill health are over £100 billion. However, evidence shows that a range of interventions can benefit both employers and employees and by investing in these interventions employers can make a significant reduction to staff days lost due to sickness.

The Health in Business Programme is modelled on best evidence nationally in the UK and internationally. Warrington was the first town in the country to be awarded the Healthy Cities status, part of a global movement for urban health, led and supported by the World Health Organisation. This gives a strong statement that the town is committed to the health and wellbeing of the people who live, work and study here. The Health in Business Programme is an opportunity for local businesses to be part of this commitment and reap the benefits it will bring. The approach is also relevant to larger organisations with a presence in the town as it reflects the commitment to Healthy Cities across Europe.

Health in Business Summit 2016

Warrington Borough Council’s Public Health Team are organising the first Health in Business summit to launch the programme.

Delegates will gain an understanding of a range of initiatives that can be adopted to benefit their business and help improve their employees working lives, as well as the opportunity to network with like-minded businesses.

The event will include presentations from key note speakers Neil McInroy, CEO of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and Dave Thompson MBE, CEO of Warrington Disability Partnership, a choice of workshops as outlined below, business support stands, lunch and refreshments, plus a delegate information pack which will help you to get the most out of the day.

Tickets will include attendance at a choice of two workshops, one morning and one afternoon, which you will be invited to select following registration.

Morning Sessions:

Workshop 1A: The Workplace Wellbeing Charter

This award is a statement of intent, showing commitment to the health of the people who work for an organisation. The Liverpool City Council Public Health and the "Health@Work" team will outline the charter and describe how it has helped businesses in their area. Organisations using the Charter benefit from:

• The ability to audit and benchmark against an established and independent set of standards;
  

• A stepped approach - small steps can make a big difference to the health of staff, morale and productivity;

• Focusing action - the Charter provides a clear structure that organisations can use to develop health, safety and wellbeing stategies and plans;

• National recognition - the Charter award process is robust and evidence based. The award is now widely recognised as the business standard for health, safety & wellbeing across England.

Workshop 1B: Local Jobs & Supply Chains

Warrington is home to around 8,000 businesses employing 115,000 people. It was ranked the fourth highest for job growth in the UK, and one of the few "cities" in the country where economy improved during the second half of the recent recession. This workshop, delivered by Warrington & Co., will demonstrate how you can thrive and support growth in the town by:

• Offering you a free recruitment service from a range of partners including apprenticeships and links to skills & training opportunities;

• Introducing an Employer's Pledge with details of the range of services available from a range of partners;

• Encouraging businesses to think local in terms of their staff, suppliers and partners;

• Initiating local partnerships and supply chains;

• Finding win-wins for the mutual benefit of business and local residents.

Afternoon Sessions

Workshop 2A: Environmental Impact and Market Share

Saving energy and reducing emissions is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs, while at the same time enhancing your business reputation and profile. Free advice will be available direct from the regulators to help you to:

• Grow your profit - save money, reduce unnecessary waste;

• Maximise your market share - business and customers are increasingly looking at the environmental credentials of companies before placing orders or buying goods;

• Reduce your emissions and avoid unnecessary regulation or legal sanction;

• Improve the environment for everyone including your workforce.

Workshop 2B: Reduced Sickness and Increased Productivity

People are the organisation’s most important resource. Creating a healthy workforce where employees are engaged and valued can help to reduce sickness absence and improve productivity. This workshop will be delivered by the Warrington Borough Council Human Resources team and the Warrington Disability Partnership to help you to

• Engage with all employees to help them feel valued;

• Better understand the causes of workplace stress and how to increase employee resilience;

• Find out the support available to employers in making reasonable adjustments for their employees who have long term health conditions or a disability

• Consider good practice tips for managing long term sickness or recurring absence.

The Health in Business Summit is sponsored by: