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The Growing Importance of Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

14 June 2024

In recent years, the emphasis on health and wellbeing in the workplace has gained significant momentum. This shift reflects a broader understanding of how employee health impacts not only individual performance but also the overall success of an organisation. The increasing focus on workplace wellbeing can be attributed to several key factors, supported by various studies and reports from 2023 and 2024.

Why Health and Safety is Important in the Workplace? 4 June 2024 Ensuring health and safety in the workplace is a critical responsibility that impacts employees, employers, and society. This article consolidates key points from various authoritative sources to provide a clear understanding of why health and safety regulations are essential and how they are implemented. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) is a fundamental piece of legislation in the UK that sets out the duties of employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their operations. Key requirements under HASAWA include: Risk Assessment: Employers must identify and assess risks to health and safety in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them. Read article

The Critical Role of Women in Leadership: Overcoming Barriers and Driving Change 30 May 2024 The importance of having women in leadership positions has been underscored by numerous studies and reports in recent years, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enhance decision-making processes. Research shows that gender-diverse leadership teams are more innovative and better at problem-solving. The World Economic Forum emphasises that women's participation is crucial for full democracy and effective governance, as they often prioritise policies that promote social welfare, education, and health (UN Women). Read article

Government Cuts Civil Service Equality and Diversity Jobs 23 May 2024 The UK government has announced plans to eliminate dedicated equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) roles within the civil service, consolidating these responsibilities into human resources (HR) departments. This initiative, led by Cabinet Office Minister Esther McVey, aims to reduce what she describes as "woke hobby horses" and redirect focus on statutory obligations and core public service delivery. The move follows a review of EDI spending, prompted by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, which revealed that approximately 400 full-time equivalent roles were dedicated to EDI across the civil service. McVey argued that these roles have often distracted civil servants from their primary duties, suggesting that resources spent on EDI initiatives lacked transparency and measurable benefits. Read article

Fostering Inclusivity in the Workplace: Supporting Trans Employees 1 May 2024 In the realm of work, stress is a common companion. However, for many trans individuals, the burden extends beyond work-related pressures. The emotional weight of suppressing one's true gender identity to conform to societal norms can be overwhelming, leading to stigma, discrimination, and a host of psychological challenges. Despite increasing global awareness of the struggles faced by trans people, many employers lag in creating supportive policies and cultures. This not only undermines the well-being of trans employees but also poses significant risks to businesses in terms of turnover, productivity, and reputation. Read article

Under the spotlight – examining the financial health of academy trusts 2 April 2024 Financial sustainability is a key focus for all academy trusts, with the main challenges being that recurring income does not always match increasing costs. This, combined with falling pupil rolls can rock an already uncertain financial boat. Whilst there is a general view that there will always be sufficient funding to ensure schools remain financially viable, there is no certainty over this as revealed in the 12th Kreston Academy Benchmarking Report. The report shows that 47% of trusts had an in-year deficit, and on average the surplus is down on last year between 83% and 95%. Schools saw three additional income streams in 2022/23: Mainstream Schools Additional Grant, Schools Supplementary Grant and the Energy Efficiency Grant. The figures suggest that without these grants, most trusts would have been in a deficit position for the year. Read article

Employee Wellbeing: Not just a 'nice to have', but essential for business performance! 16 February 2024 Many managers know staff wellbeing is important, but many find it hard to find time or ways to support their teams’ unique wellbeing needs: At Rener Wellbeing, we have surveyed thousands of managers across a range of organisations globally, when developing bespoke wellbeing strategies for their organisations. From the data, we know that most managers understand why employee wellbeing is important and why they should be creating enabling and encouraging environments for their staff. We recognise the challenges that managers face in supporting the wellbeing of their teams - time constraints is the main obstacle, followed by a lack of knowledge on the practical ways to support their teams’ wellbeing. Read article

When children with SEND can express themselves, the world becomes a better place 6 February 2024 Children can make connections with their teachers and friends, and thrive at school even when they don’t have the words to say how they’re feeling – writes Kim Graham, lead practitioner and specialist teacher, Northumberland High Incidence Needs Team. If you are unable to take part in a discussion, explain what you need or join in with a group activity, life becomes incredibly isolating. Read article

Broaden Horizons with Technology 1 February 2024 While great strides have been made with LGBTQ+ equality in recent years, there is still so much more to be done to improve how these topics are discussed in school. Teaching children about sex education, human relationships and gender identity is vital to creating more accepting and well rounded global citizens. Education plays a fundamental role here and this is an area about which many teachers are passionate. Read article

COP28: The Key Outcomes You Should Know About 22 December 2023 The world's largest annual climate conference of the parties (COP28) was hosted in Dubai this year. COP28 was attended by negotiators from nearly 200 countries. There was a strong emphasis on cutting emissions and increasing financial support to reach the 1.5°C global temperature limit during the conference. It ended with an agreement that signals the "end of the fossil fuel era," underpinned by deep cuts in emissions and increased financing to support a swift, just, and equitable transition. Read article

Government's Autumn Budget Statement 2023 22 November 2023 The Autumn Statement adopts a responsible approach to ensure a decline in debt, lowers taxes for individuals and businesses, implements welfare reforms to facilitate employment, and eliminates obstacles to business investment, promoting economic growth. The government's focus encompasses five key areas: diminishing debt, cutting taxes and rewarding hard work, supporting British businesses, developing domestic and sustainable energy sources, and providing world-class education. With a more robust fiscal outlook, informed policy decisions in the Autumn Statement endorse reduced taxes and foster long-term, sustainable growth. Read article

How to make primary schools work better for autistic children 29 September 2023 Just a few simple yet effective adaptations can create a more comfortable learning environment to help autistic children thrive at school, writes Alison Eason, head of the Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) at Chalgrove Primary School. Read article

Government announces new NHS strategy to tackle major conditions and diseases 8 March 2023 The UK Government is to launch a new NHS strategy to tackle major conditions and diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases (including stroke and diabetes), chronic respiratory diseases, dementia, mental ill health, and musculoskeletal disorders. Read article

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