Adam Brooke: Staff need support on health

Employers have an opportunity to help staff set achievable new year resolutions and provide tools and support to help them reach their goals.

This is beneficial for employer and employee, and helps to develop a culture of engagement.

Wellness programmes should be reviewed to ensure personal goal-setting is included. But it is all too easy to then move on to the next wellness theme, so employers must remain mindful of providing a joined-up programme where staff continue to receive encouragement and support to achieve their goals.

There are a number of ways to do this. It might take the form of regular themed webinars, seminars or ‘meet the expert’ events, negotiating discounts with gyms, nutritional classes and smoking-cessation courses.

However, communication is key, as Sam Barrett highlighted in her Happier new year article in January: ‘Employers must ensure their support is consistent, extends beyond January and is promoted widely in the workplace to maximise the chances of employees sustaining their new-found good habits.’

Adam Brooke is employee benefits manager (UK) at JP Morgan