Reed Business Information (RBI) created a health and wellbeing programme in 2014 to help employees to create their own support systems that enable them to enjoy a positive workplace experience.
Lawrence Mitchell, marketing director and programme lead, says: “We set up the programme to enhance the energy and the performance of our staff, which in practical terms means that we’re energising and helping staff to feel good about themselves so they can not only feel better, but work better, which will enhance not only their own performance, but the performance of the business.
The business information and data services organisation’s Living Well Programme is based on a five-pillar framework. This includes eating well, moving the body and keeping fit, mental health and resilience, giving back, in line with the organisation’s charity agenda, and getting support, which is about staff tapping into employee networks and getting support from peers.
As part of the programme, which health and wellbeing services provider Kamwell helps to deliver, staff are offered access to wellbeing events, which may offer, for example, free gym classes, massage therapy, mindfulness training and nutritional advice and testing.
“It provides customised one-to-one services, as well as broader opportunities for staff to engage,” says Mitchell. “We think about employees as whole people and recognise that each employee will want different things based on who they are and where they are in their life journey, so we offer a range of benefits for them to engage in.”
Empowerment is at the heart of RBI’s programme, with employees encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. “As an [organisation] we are responsible for making it easier for employees to be healthier and for them to feel their best,” Mitchell says.
The organisation uses the programme to help improve employee engagement and staff retention and to improve the value of the employer brand.