What is a Wellness Action Plan? A Wellness Action Plan (WAP) is a practical, personalised tool designed to help individuals maintain their mental health and well-being at work or in daily life. It’s especially useful for identifying what supports someone needs, what helps them stay well, and what to do if they start to struggle.…
Why is it important? At least 20% of the adult population have a diagnosed neurological condition such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and/or dyspraxia. Therefore, it is essential that employers are aware of how to support such employees in order to create a diverse, productive workforce which values everyone’s…
There is no standard human brain, and every individual has their own areas of strength and areas where they have more difficulty. This applies no more or no less to people who have diagnosis or traits of neurodiverse conditions. There is increased worldwide awareness of neurodiversity compared to a few years ago, and people who…
How OH can help to address this important question? The increase in pet ownership in the UK has increased with an estimated 3.2m households now having a pet. Young people are the main drivers of this trend, with more than half of new owners aged 16 to 34. Animal welfare organisations have been warning that…
It’s Men’s Health Week and the focus this year is on health checks, and the things that these can pick up. One area of this we feel it is important to highlight is waist measurement. Carrying a paunch may not be top of your list of things to tackle in this fast-paced, modern world we…
When news breaks and we see images of death and destruction in the media it can be overwhelming. For some people this can affect emotional health and triggers symptoms of stress and anxiety. The reduced emotional health typically stems from worrying the same things may happen where you live or to your loved ones. Triggered…
There are a number of health benefits and expenses which can be offered by an employer to their employees, without the employer being required to report these to the HMRC, pay tax or pay National Insurance on them. Where these exemptions or concessions apply, the employee’s tax is not affected, and the payments or expenses…
As an employer dealing with long term sickness absence and frequent absences, you have a variety of legal responsibilities. Several laws are relevant when managing sick leave and return to work, such as the Equality Act, the Employment Rights Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Employees are more likely to return to…
Obesity is a complex public health issue that has only recently been acknowledged as having multiple factors including physical, psychological and genetic causes. The relationship between obesity and work is complex. Routines and behaviours at work can influence eating and exercising habits, which will impact a person’s lifestyle and wellbeing, generally. There is also the…
