SMOKING BAN

Thu, 24 May 2007 | Updated: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:59 am

More than half of UK employers (53%) say the upcoming smoking ban has made them more aware of the importance of the health and wellbeing of their workforce, according to research by Manpower.

The research reveals that while many say the ban will make them pay more attention to health and wellbeing in the workplace, 46% are providing access to, or encouraging, healthy living and 50% of employers have no plans to introduce such initiatives. It found only 20% of employers are providing advice on how to quit smoking.

Jason Greaves (pictured), Manpower UK director of commercial staffing, says: “Many employers across all industry sectors recognise the benefits of a healthy workforce as it has a clear impact on their business - in areas including productivity, motivation, absence management and staff retention."

The survey found that 82% of the UK employers consider a healthy workforce improves staff motivation, 64% say that it increases productivity, and 56% that it reduces absenteeism. However, there are marked differences between the perceived benefits of a healthy workforce by industry sector. Employers in the finance & business services sector (87%) are most likely to consider a healthy workforce to be a more motivated workforce, whereas employers in the manufacturing sector (73%) are more likely to recognise the increase in productivity associated with a healthy workforce.

The research reveals that employers in non-service based industries are least likely to offer their employees health and wellbeing benefits, and when employers in these sectors do promote healthy living initiatives, it is most likely to be advice on how to stop smoking.