The subject of so-called ’workplace wellbeing’ - and the benefits of it to both businesses and their employees - is currently exciting a lot of thought and discussion, not least in government and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.

They have got together to produce the ’Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit’, a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more as it sets out the steps for an organisation to take in order to implement a workplace health and wellbeing programme.

Michelle Poyzer is the senior health improvement officer at the Department of Health and Social Care. She also chairs the Workplace Wellbeing group.

She said: ’The programme originally started off life as trying to encourage physical activity at work, looking at the workplace and how we could get people to be more healthy.

’But we quickly realised that physical activity wasn’t the be all and end all and it was better to look holistically at the complete person.

’So looking at wellbeing in the workplace has become everything from the environment to people being active to what they are eating and to stress management, both mental and physical health, a whole gamut across the board.

’We fully recognise that there are some organisations out there that are doing brilliantly with this but we’re here to help those who are either just starting off or want confirmation that what they are doing is right.’

There is certainly huge interest from business in the subject.

Following the launch of the initiative last August the Workplace Wellbeing group held their first full day conference in November.

Michelle recalled: ’We were surprised at how many people wanted to attend.

’We had 80-odd delegates representing organisations across the board and everyone seemed to understand the "wins" for looking into this and supporting it.’

Helen Bridson, occupational health service manager and also a member of the group, added: ’The links between productivity and employee wellbeing are well documented but it’s also the moral and human thing to do - it’s ethically good and good for recruitment.’

Peter Horsthuis, a Chamber of Commerce council member, has been part of the group since it was set up.

He said: ’I’m sure it will be a popular category at this year’s Awards for Excellence.

’I think all private sector companies and government departments are thinking towards the health and wellbeing of their employees and this is a great project to pull it all together.

’The benefits are increasingly clear in terms of staff retention and the productivity, happiness and culture of the office.’

Whoever wins this new category at the Awards for Excellence is also to be given a slot at the next Workplace Wellbeing conference to be held a week after the awards night, in November.

’It will be a great opportunity for them to showcase what it is that they have done,’ said Michelle.

Peter added: ’Many companies have some great initiatives on workplace wellbeing and they should give details of the excellent stuff that they’re doing to get the recognition.

’We don’t see companies competing in workplace wellbeing, we see it as a collaborative initiative with all the ideas being shared.

’This makes the Isle of Man a great place to work in.’

Micky Swindale, president of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, said that the links between productivity and wellbeing were well established - but that there were other factors to take into account too.

’The links between productivity and employee wellbeing are well documented - so there are good, sound, financial reasons for organisations supporting workplace initiatives,’ he said.

’But more importantly there are moral and human imperatives for all of us to create working environments where people are encouraged to play to their strengths, are supported when things go wrong, are stretched and empowered, and provided with the tools to thrive.’

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK supports the focus on workplace wellbeing.

She said: ’’The proven link between productivity and wellbeing in the workplace is not new. Whilst it is clear that there are a number of organisations in the Isle of Man that understand this link and harness its potential, there are also organisations in need of greater support.

’It is vital that the public, private and third sectors work together to raise the profile of wellbeing in the workplace, not just for the economic benefits but also the social ones.’

â?¢ You can find details of all the award categories at this year’s awards and download entry forms at www.excellence-awards.im

The Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit is available to download at www.gov.im/categories/health-and-wellbeing/workplace-wellbeing/.