Elfab, a manufacturer based in North Shields, has achieved the North East Better Health at Work Bronze Award. This is the first step in a programme focused on workforce health and wellbeing that has already brought tangible results.
To achieve the award, Elfab had to meet ten Health and Safety criteria in the areas of physical health, mental health and employee wellbeing. They have undertaken a wide range of staff development activities to do this, including a Physical Activity Challenge, a Healthy Eating campaign and a Weight Loss Challenge. Elfab also provides free fresh fruit for all staff twice a month and offers healthy snack options on site.
Feedback from staff has been positive, with around 80% stating the campaigns have had a real impact on their health. One employee was motivated to join a slimming club, where he has so far lost over two stones. Three employees joined the cycle to work scheme following participation in the Activity Challenge, and a group of colleagues are continuing to challenge themselves by tracking their activity and competing via an app.
Maxine Henry, HR Manager, commented: ‘We are proud to have achieved the North East Better Health at Work Bronze Award. There is a wealth of research that strongly links staff wellbeing and productivity, and we will be continuing our health initiatives throughout 2019 and beyond.’
Maureen Turner, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Health Improvement Specialist who supports businesses in North Tyneside to achieve the award said: ‘Elfab’s first submission on the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) programme was excellent. The Health Advocates are extremely proactive in taking initiatives forward and are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of the workforce. I am really pleased that Elfab has achieved the bronze level of the BHAWA.’
Recognising the wider benefits of running health campaigns, Elfab is continuing with further health and wellbeing initiatives. The company is aiming to achieve the Better Health at Work Silver Award this year with ambitions of securing the Gold Award after that.