Prioritising health and wellbeing in your workplace: North East businesses are committed to diversity and inclusion
Over 100 business from across the North East will gather in Gateshead on Wednesday (26 September) to share ideas on how to boost workplace diversity and inclusion in the region.
The CBI’s North East Inclusion Conference will hear from industry leaders – including Virgin Money, Northumbrian Water and AON – who are striving to create fairer and inclusive workplaces where everyone can bring their best.
Through a mixture of keynote, panel and interactive breakout sessions, North East companies will hear practical advice on topics including recruitment, how to handle demographic changes in the workforce and how to promote fairness, diversity and inclusion across their organisation.
The conference will also concentrate on health and wellbeing, following the recent CBI launch of ‘Front of mind’ – a report helping firms better understand what steps they can take to improve workplace health & wellbeing. On average, UK companies spend £720 due to ill health and lose 5.2 sick days per employee a year. The impact of this on business and its people is clear: firms should better prioritise the health & wellbeing of their staff.
The report offers practical guidance, such as making health and wellbeing a leadership priority, creating a culture where physical and mental health have equal focus, and prioritising prevention, not just the cure.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sarah Glendinning, CBI North East Director, said:
“We’re delighted to be hosting this event in the region. Regularly, members tell us they’re looking at innovative ways to create workplaces that enable their employees to fulfil their potential, as well as generate opportunities for their organisations to thrive. Evidence shows diverse workplaces bring both commercial and personal success.
“Encouragingly, attendees will hear from businesses both large and small, across a range of sector with companies, like CPI and Concern Group, giving a fascinating regional insight. Having heard many of the speakers before, I know attendees will leave inspired and able to take ideas straight back to their businesses. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the event.”
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