More and more of Suffolk’s employers are putting workplace well-being at the top of their agenda for 2010 and joining a growing number of members attending the county’s second ‘Suffolk Business Minded’ forum.

The forum, which follows on from the great success of the Suffolk Business Minded initiative launched early 2009 is open to all local businesses and employers.

It is an opportunity for local businesses to meet, network and share knowledge on best business practice around stress, anxiety, depression and mental health issues in the workplace.

The forum meets quarterly and is led by the business needs of local employers; the next forum will focus on Occupational Health, and is being held on:

– Wednesday 24th February 2010 at the IP City Centre, Ipswich, 6pm – 8pm.

Guest speaker will be Judith Howard-Rees, director of Gipping Occupational Health. Judith said: “Employers at the last forum wanted advice about occupational health and how it can help them develop and sustain a healthier workforce and a healthier business. I will put occupational health management into the business context, talk about when and how to use an OH Service, how to manage both employee and employer expectation, explore ‘who is in charge’, what can be done to minimise risks to health and how to become a Mindful Employer. This will be an interactive session with Case Studies to discuss.”

We will also be launching the Suffolk Business Minded – “Managers’ desk guide”. The guide will act as a quick reference to well being in the workplace, providing guidance on helping employees to stay at work, employment law, how to spot signs of mental health issues etc. All members attending the forum will receive a complimentary copy of the guide book.

Refreshments and a buffet will be provided, and there will be opportunities to network with other local like minded businesses.

Join us and become a leader on well being in the workplace in 2010 by booking your place now…there’s no charge!

The forum is sponsored by Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and is free to attend by local employers / business managers. There will however be a £20 charge should delegates book and fail to turn up [exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration], as there are limited numbers of places and we want to ensure spaces are not taken from those who can attend.

Should you wish to book a place visit: www.ifyouknew.co.uk / Suffolk Business Minded and download a booking form and return to the email / address provided on the form.

Should you have any further questions then please call Gabriel Tamaya on (01473) 329785 / or email [email protected]

Facts about mental health in the workplace
– 3 in 10 employees will experience mental health problems in any one year.
– 80 million work days are lost a year due to stress, depression and anxiety.
– It is estimated that about £9bn is lost a year through employers not addressing mental health issues at work.
– 80% of employers agree that more support is required to improve the way businesses deal with mental health in the workplace.

Reference: – http://www.nhsemployers.org/HealthyWorkplaces/MHEmployment/Pages/MentalHealthFacts_FINAL.aspx