Workplace wellbeing matters more than ever

But their work doesn’t stop there. We also have a fantastic Workplace Health Advisor who works closely with employers across the district to support the wellbeing of their teams. Even small changes can make a big difference, and by working with local organisations we can help spread that positive impact even further — benefiting employees, their families, and the wider community. You may not be aware, but working adults spend on average one-third of their waking hours at work. With the rise of digital working and more people working remotely, there are new challenges to consider. That’s why workplace wellbeing matters more than ever, and why employers can play such an important role in supporting the health and happiness of their staff. Healthy employees equal a healthy business, and so taking a proactive approach to wellbeing — whether people are working in an office or from home — can lead to a happier, more engaged, and productive workforce. Lots of research has been carried out over the years into the benefits of workplaces supporting the wellbeing of their employees. Supporting wellbeing at work can help reduce stress, boost morale, and create a more positive and inclusive working environment. It can also improve staff engagement, encourage a better work-life balance, and even reduce sickness absence and staff turnover. More and more organisations are recognising that looking after their people isn’t just the right thing to do — it also makes good business sense. So far this year, our Workplace Health Advisor has worked with around 11 organisations, ranging from small local businesses to larger companies and public sector organisations, and the feedback has been extremely positive. It’s been wonderful to hear how much the support has been valued. It’s especially encouraging that 7 of these are new partnerships, helping us reach even more people across the district. When organisations first get in touch, they’re often not sure where to start — and that’s exactly where we can help. Support might begin with a friendly introduction at a staff meeting or one-to-one wellbeing check-ins. From there, we work together to identify what would be most helpful. This could include NHS Health Checks, stop smoking support, the Weigh Better Life programme, Heart Smart Walks, or advice from our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisors. If a business or organisation in the district wants to find out more about the Workplace Health visits or would like to get in touch with our advisor, they can visit: https://chichester.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/topics/wellbeing-at-work/chichester-workplace-health or call 01243 521041. At the heart of our Wellbeing service is a dedicated team of advisors who offer personalised support in areas such as weight management, healthy eating, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, falls prevention, and increasing physical activity. These advisors work closely with individuals to help them make manageable lifestyle changes that can lead to lasting improvements in health. Free one-to-one appointments are available for anyone looking to explore healthier habits or make specific changes. In addition to these services, the team also signposts individuals to other helpful resources provided by the council and its partners. Whether someone is feeling lonely and wants to connect with local groups, or is facing financial difficulties and needs further support, the Wellbeing team is there to help. To learn more about how the Chichester Wellbeing team can support you or a family member, visit: www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk, call 01243 521041, or email: wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk.