It is estimated that presenteeism - the practice of working
while unwell - costs businesses approximately £600 per person
per year while sickness absence costs an equivalent
£692.
Given this high cost, Coventry University has been undertaking a
three year applied research project looking into the benefits of
promoting wellbeing in the workplace.
To mark the second year of the project, the University is
holding a gala day on July 7 and a free workshop that includes a
networking lunch with 5000 metre world record holder, David
Moorcroft OBE.
The aim of the day is to provide networking opportunities and
teach delegates about initiatives in workplace wellbeing, include
how best to promote these in the workplace.
Martina Parker HR Policy and Projects Manager for JHP Group, who
attended the workshop last year, said:
"For me, it was extremely beneficial to gain an understanding of
the government agenda in this area, what other companies are doing
to address health and well being needs, the statistics around
absence costs and the benefits to a business in introducing
wellbeing initiatives. Overall, it was a really informative
workshop."
David Moorcroft OBE, said: "I am delighted to be invited to the
second workplace wellbeing gala day held by Coventry University, to
talk to businesses about ways in which they can incorporate
physical activity in the workplace as part of their wellbeing
programmes.
"As an elite athlete, I use sport to improve my own performance.
In the workplace employers are increasingly seeing the benefits of
promoting a healthy active workforce to benefit staff performance
and overall productivity."
The event is free and is being held at Westwood Heath Conference
Centre between 12pm and 4pm on July 7.
To register for this event, please email Sharon Kelly at
s.kelly@coventry.ac.uk and for more details visit www.coventry.ac.uk/workplacewellbeing