A conference designed to encourage bosses to think more about their staff’s health will take place this week.

The third annual ’workplace wellbeing workshop’ is a joint venture between the government and the Chamber of Commerce and takes place at Mount Murray Golf Club on Thursday, November 15.

The principle that a healthy and valued workforce provides ’engaged and motivated’ staff lies at the heart of the conference.

Delegates will look at factors that influence wellbeing both at work and at home, and learn how to help themselves and others overcome real-life hurdles - such as losing a loved one, coping with a medical diagnosis or tackling a high stress work project.

Expert speakers from on and off-island will explore three diverse topics:

Sleep: James Wilson, who has appeared on Channel 4 as a sleep expert, will explain the importance of good, restorative sleep and how employees can be helped to overcome sleep problems

Menopause: Sarah Davies from talkingmenopause.co.uk will host a session helping managers and leaders understand more about the menopause, recognise symptoms and their impact, and support colleagues experiencing them

Active travel: A speaker from UK sustainable transport charity Sustrans will explain how walking or cycling to work can enhance workplace wellbeing, revealing practical ways this can be achieved for employers and staff

Sustrans’ session will show how the government’s active travel strategy and cycle to work scheme can contribute to wellbeing, while encouraging people to become more physically active, more often.

As well as speakers from the UK, delegates will be able to talk to each other about their experiences.

In addition, speakers from the Lisa Lowe Centre - home to Manx Cancer Help - will give tips on ’active listening’.

There will be a panel debate towards the end of the day hosted by Dan Davies, acting chief executive at the Department of Home Affairs.

Organiser Michelle Poyzer from the workplace wellbeing team with the government’s public health organisation said: ’The conference is designed to look closely at those factors which can make working a challenge. It’s about work and life. We recognise the importance of the employee not just as a member of a workforce, but also as a member of a family, a community and as an individual.

She added: ’In practical terms a workplace where staff wellbeing matters becomes an employer of choice, with talent drawn to organisations that value the employee.’

The workshop is sold out, but organisers will take contact details in the event of any cancellations. Call 642639.

Information on workplace wellbeing is available at: https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/health-and-social-care/guidance-centre/workplace-wellbeing/