Working Towards a Healthier Ireland

Dublin, 27^th March 2015 Business leaders, policy-makers and health stakeholders gathered in Croke Park today for a special seminar on improving employee health. National and international experts together with representatives of Irish companies shared new insights and exchanged ideas at the event. It was part of a programme of activity to mark Ireland’s first National Workplace Wellbeing Day, which aims to improve employee health through promoting better physical activity and nutrition in the workplace.

Hundreds of public and private sector organisations across the country are supporting Workplace Wellbeing Day. Many are hosting special events for staff including healthy breakfasts, BMI testing, exercise classes, cookery demonstrations and lunchtime walks. The day began with fitness instructor Karl Henry along with Anna Geary, Cork Senior Camogie Captain and Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador hosting a series of early morning ‘pop up’ exercise classes for commuters on the streets of Dublin city.

Today’s seminar was opened by Jerry Buttimer TD., Chairperson, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health & Children and chaired by Professor Niall Moyna, Centre of Preventative Medicine. Addressing attendees, health economist, Professor Jeremy Bray, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, said studies show that providing a good working environment and wellbeing programmes makes good business sense for organisations. “Recent meta analyses suggest that workplace wellness programmes save $3 for every $1 invested. The bottom line is that workplace wellbeing can contribute significantly to the bottom line,” he said.

Mary Rose Burke, Director of Policy and Corporate Affairs, Ibec said “Many companies are already doing a lot in the area of workplace wellbeing. The recent nationwide study of 1,000 employees¹, for example, shows that nearly half (47%) of Ireland’s employers are providing facilities to promote physical activity or healthy diets amongst their workforce. Improving employee wellbeing is in everyone’s best interest. Approximately 11 million days lost through absenteeism every year at a cost of €1.5bn² to the economy. The workplace provides an excellent opportunity to improve people’s health and wellbeing with a positive impact on productivity too,” she said.

According to Kate O’Flaherty, Director, Health and Wellbeing Programme, Department of Health, workplaces are the ideal place to promote healthier living. “People spend so much of their time in the workplace that it is the ideal environment. Not only can we reach workers but parents too so we can introduce initiatives that impact beyond the organisation into families and the wider community,” she said.

Jim McGuinness, Performance consultant at Glasgow Celtic FC and former manager, Donegal senior football team, stressed the importance of staff engagement for effective workplace wellbeing programmes. “Employee “buy-in” is critical. Whether it’s on the field or in the office or factory, common goals are important to achieving success. Employers who involve employees from the outset when designing and developing workplace wellbeing programmes will find their employees are more likely to participate in and lead healthy initiatives in the workplace,” he said.

The nationwide study of 1,000 employees also showed that on average less than half of the employees use available facilities provided by employers. The only exception is subsidised canteens where usage stands at 80%. The study shows that employees prefer activities such as yoga, Pilates, exercising with colleagues and prioritise the need for facilities such as showers, lockers and secure bike racks.
Other speakers at today’s event included representatives of the Workplace Wellbeing champion companies: Aramark, Bank of Ireland, Fenero and Teleflex who shared their experiences on developing and implementing effective workplace wellbeing programmes. Aramark also sponsored today’s event.

Workplace Wellbeing Day is an initiative of Food and Drink Ireland, which is part of Ibec.