New qualification launched to help improve health and wellbeing at work

A new qualification aimed at helping managers improve the health and wellbeing of their employees is being piloted by EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation.

The new ‘Management of Health and Well-Being at work’ qualification is accredited by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) and is designed to benefit companies in all sectors who are seeking to improve the efficiency and morale of their workforce. A recent survey by EEF in conjunction with Unum one of the UK’s leading group risk insurance providers, found 36% of manufacturers reported an increase in long-term absence between 2007 to 2008. Long-term sickness absence, where an employee has been off work for more than a month, has a substantial effect on UK industry as well as for the social welfare of the population. To aid employers in dealing with sickness absence, EEF is urging companies to continue investing in the training of managers. EEF’s 2009 survey of sickness absence trends in manufacturing companies showed a clear link between investment in training managers and reduced short and long term absence rates, as well as improved employee welfare. According to the survey 36% of employers who offered training in health and wellbeing reported a decrease in absenteeism compared to 28% of employers who did not train their managers. A Health, Safety, Climate and Environment Leader at EEF, Mike Prince said: “The qualification equips managers to minimise absence, encourage people back to work where possible, and deal effectively with the health issues of their staff.” The course covers the following areas: · Effects of health on work · Effects of work on health · Management of attendance · Management of mental health at work · Management of people with musculoskeletal disorders · Workplace health promotion · Workplace health support The first of these courses will run from September this year at EEF venues across the UK. Companies wishing further details about the qualification, including dates and costs should contact Mike Prince at mprince@eef.org.uk or 01256 763969.

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