''firms save money'' by wellbeing perks

Companies may be tempted to offer employee benefits that encourage staff to lead a healthy lifestyle, following a successful scheme run by Leeds Metropolitan University.

According to leaders at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Iosh), the Yorkshire-based university has managed to make annual savings of £75,000 by introducing a new wellbeing initiative.

Perks such as health checks and stress management classes were added two years ago and a website was set up with the aim of offering advice to tense staff members.

Since then, stress-related absence has fallen by 16 per cent and accident rates stand at just 64.7 per 100,000 - far lower than the national sector average of 325.

"Any British business that doesn't take good health and safety seriously is missing a trick, whether it is part of the public, private or third sector," commented chair of the Yorkshire branch of the Iosh Michelle Muxworthy.

Last week, Bar Huberman of XpertHR warned managers they are still responsible for the health and safety of workers who have taken advantage of flexible benefits offerings to operate from their own home.

Source : www.youatwork.com'