A BESPOKE project helping businesses across East Sussex develop a healthier and happier workforce is celebrating its early successes.

The East Sussex County Council’s Wellbeing at Work Programme works with employers to share resources and deliver training, as well as providing an accreditation scheme, to help boost the health and wellbeing of employees.

Just months after its launch, three of the 24 workplaces who have signed up to the public health-funded programme have already been recognised for the efforts they have made in supporting their staff.

Wealden District Council became the first to achieve a bronze Wellbeing at Work Award having completed 20 criteria and built the foundations of a healthy workplace, closely followed by Crowborough-based manufacturer Servomex which was presented with the same award this month.

The Prideaux Group, a chain of three care homes based in Bexhill and Eastbourne, earned the Commitment Award last month after assessing the needs of their employees and identifying an action to take forward.

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health in East Sussex, said: “Finding ways to boost the health and wellbeing of employees is of huge benefit to both the workforce and the organisation, and we are delighted to be able to offer a programme that supports companies to achieve this.

“Investing in employee wellbeing can improve morale, motivation and productivity, reduce absences, staff turnover and the costs associated with recruitment.”

He added: “The Wellbeing at Work Programme has been developed to take into account unique characteristics of East Sussex and its specific needs and I’m delighted that, despite being a fairly new initiative, it is already making a positive impact in our county.”

To achieve awards, companies must complete a number of criteria that introduce policies and initiatives and embeds practices that promote and support health and wellbeing.

To achieve its Bronze award, Wealden District Council, introduced a number of initiatives and programmes including a virtual coffee meet randomly pairing two staff members from across the company, a cycle to work scheme, flexible working and the introduction of mental health first aiders.

Cllr Ann Newton, leader of Wealden District Council, said: “Wealden Council has a reputation as a good place to work and we take great care in looking after and valuing our staff. This award is a testament to the work those within the council have done over a long period of time. We are very proud to be the first council in East Sussex to gain this accreditation.”

Companies signing up to the programme can work towards a number of different awards including a commitment award, small and microbusiness awards or medium and large business awards.

The programme is open to any business, from any industry that employs one or more person.

More information about the programme can be found at https://wellbeingatwork.eastsussex.gov.uk

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