City College Norwich is supporting a new initiative – the Norfolk Health & Wellbeing Exchange – which brings together Norfolk employers to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.
The Exchange - www.wellbeingexchange.org - is a free service that allows local employers to share practical resources and services that promote staff health and wellbeing, covering everything from winter flu jabs to health checks, yoga classes, exercise activities and weight loss groups.
The idea was an initiative of the regional Staying Healthy at Work programme and it was decided to pilot the scheme in Norfolk thanks to the support of City College Norwich, who built the website, and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, as well as the enthusiasm of a range of employers from the county. The Exchange is also being supported by NHS Norfolk.
The web site enables employers to post requests for wellbeing services they would like to access for their employees, or to let others know of services they can offer. The Exchange extends to expertise as well as practical interventions – members can use the site to swap information and advice, such as recommendations for services or model policies, as well as making available products or services.
BITC-commissioned research carried out by Ipsos Mori showed that proactively managing employee health and wellbeing can improve business productivity by up to 10%, so there is every incentive for employers to extend their existing health and wellbeing package by joining the Exchange.
Debbi Christophers, Head of Business Development (East of England), Business in the Community, said “With employers in all sectors having to manage increasingly tight budgets, the Exchange gives members the opportunity to increase the range of health and wellbeing services their staff can access by swapping and sharing these services with others. It’s a great example of how businesses can achieve more by working together collaboratively than they can on their own.”
Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said “The Norfolk Health & Wellbeing Exchange is a fantastic idea to help Norfolk employers further improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. We are delighted to be supporting this exciting new initiative, which will enable City College Norwich to build upon the services that have seen the college recognised as a Healthy FE College and regional BiTC Wellbeing Award Winner”.
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