East Midlands Chamber becomes latest organisation to sign up to LRS Wellbeing at Work Charter

Posted: Wed, 9 Dec 2020 10:30

East Midlands Chamber becomes latest organisation to sign up to LRS Wellbeing at Work Charter
  • Accreditation scheme aims to help reduce staff turnover and presenteeism
  • Total of 65 employers have now pledged commitment to local charter
  • More than 20,000 employees in the region are employed by signatories

East Midlands Chamber (EMC) has joined dozens of other organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in signing up for the LRS Wellbeing at Work Charter.

A total of 65 employers - with collective responsibility for more than 20,000 employees – have so far 'pledged' their commitment to support the wellbeing of their workforce by signing up to a new local accreditation scheme offered by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport (LRS).

The Charter recognises the increasing numbers of businesses and organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland which are pledging to support staff wellbeing through the scheme – regardless of whether employees are based at home or in the workplace.

EMC employs more than 150 staff across the East Midlands and is a staunch advocate of businesses of all sizes. Wellbeing at Work is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of staff at organisations of all sizes in the region.

Lucy Robinson, EMC's Director of Resources, recently reinforced that the value of wellbeing at work is not just for the employee but for the business as a whole.

She told delegates at an LRS event at Leicester Business Festival: "'When employees feel better and more able to share how they are actually feeling, a business can support them more effectively which in turn reduces staff turnover, increases staff retention, and reduces presenteeism, which is a huge problems for businesses of all sizes."

Funded by local authorities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, the Wellbeing at Work Charter is a step-by-step process which begins with a free 'Pledge' of commitment to support the wellbeing of your workforce.

Subsequent steps are optional and provide deeper support for workforce needs. They include:

  • Opportunities for workplaces to get involved in competitions and business games, as well as training and workshops;
  • An Activity Tracker to map individual sport and physical activity levels, plus a link to popular tracking apps, as well as the chance to join workplace activity 'challenges';
  • Exercise, health, and wellbeing tips to support you to lead a healthy lifestyle in and out of work.
  • Workplace Health Needs Assessment, a tested tool to identify key priority areas of health and wellbeing amongst staff and support the development of needs-based action plans (developed by Public Health England and Healthy Working Futures in 2017).

By signing the 'Pledge' organisations can (once approved), access and share a range of FREE resources covering themes from sleep to the menopause.

John Byrne, Director of LRS, said: "We have been supporting employers around wellbeing at work for some time across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"Now, at a time when we are all experiencing increased pressures and our health and wellbeing is paramount, we are pleased to be able to offer this step-by-step package of support to employers from all sectors across the region.

"LRS has signed up to the 'Pledge' and we follow the principles outlined in the Charter. We have been encouraging our partners to do the same. Will you join our growing network and be part of the next 50 employers to sign up?"

How do we sign up?

To find out more about how you and your workplace can sign up to the Charter and make a free Pledge to demonstrate your commitment to employee health and wellbeing, click here.

Tags: Active Lifestyle, Active Professionals, Active Together, business of sport. wellbeing at work