London firms recognised for health initiatives in the workplace

Subsidised gym memberships, massages and fresh fruit in the office are among initiatives that have been recognised at the Healthy Workplace Awards in London.

In total, 14 organisations covering around 50,000 employees were recognised at a ceremony at City Hall last week for their commitment to the London Healthy Workplace Charter.

The Greater London Authority is currently working with seven local boroughs to implement the scheme but is hoping to expand it further.

Organisations recognised at last week's awards, included Middlesex University, Guy?s and St. Thomas' NHS Trust, Deloitte LLP and Hostelbookers.com.

Other initiatives recognised include establishing stop smoking groups and encouraging employees to cycle to work, get off the bus a few stops early and use workplace stairs rather than lifts.

Deputy Mayor for London Victoria Borwick says the scheme has obvious personal benefits for staff but also has a positive impact on organisations' financial bottom lines.

An average London firm of around 250 employees loses around £250,000 a year due to sick leave, but staff members who are physically active take 27 per cent fewer sick days than their non-physically active counterparts.

One organisation found it reduced absence through sickness from 6.5 to 3.5 per cent over a two-year period, and another saw staff turnover halve.

The charter was piloted from January to October this year and was based on framework established by NHS Liverpool.