JT announce continued commitment to making JT a ‘better place to work’

James Qualtrough | August 6, 2012 | 0 Comments

In 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics, 131 million days were lost to sickness absences in the UK, which equates to an average of 4.5 days per worker.

Most adults spend a vast proportion of their lives at work and Jersey is no different. This offers responsible employers both an opportunity and a challenge in terms of working to improve the health of their employees in a number of ways and seeking to provide both a health and happy environment to work in. Research shows time and again health and happy employees are more productive. Which is just one reason JT strives to support employees and provide a positive environment for work. Be it providing shower and changing facilities for those who may cycle to work, or perhaps offering flexible working options for employees, to fit in with their busy lifestyles.

Throughout 2012, JT has introduced a number of new wellbeing initiatives as part of its commitment to enable staff to achieve healthier lifestyles and a better work/life balance. In fact during July JT ran a dedicated “Wellbeing Week” and launched a complete package of services and discounts that are now available to all their staff.

Employees now have access to over 50 wellbeing service providers offering special JT discounts on health and beauty, healing, relaxation therapies, coping strategies, travel and lifestyle as well as information on a range of financial services with preferential rates, provided by LloydsTSB.

During the Wellbeing Week, JT also arranged a number of workshops and drop-in sessions that covered issues such as ‘setting personal goals’, common health problems and financial advice. In addition, staff were able to book a confidential check-up with health specialists from Axa PPP and treatment providers were on hand to provide massages or other therapies for employees at their desks!

JT’s People and Environmental Risk Manager, Andy Holmes, said “There is a growing body of evidence to show that, in the majority of cases, working can actually be good for your health – while, conversely, unemployment has a corrosive effect on an individual’s health, wellbeing and potentially self-esteem. Which is why, as a responsible employer, JT is committed to promoting and reinforcing healthy working practices and lifestyle choices to help further improve our employees’ wellbeing.”

“The workplace is where many of us find friendship, fulfilment and the emotional interactions that can enrich our lives and we want to make that working environment as good as it can possibly be,” said Mr Holmes.

“There is also evidence that a healthy workforce is good for business, bringing benefits that can improve a company’s performance by reducing accidents, lowering sickness and improving staff retention and resilience (so they’re better able to cope with change), resulting in higher levels of commitment and productivity and an enhanced employer brand.

“So, because we know wellbeing is both good for staff and good for business JT will continue to help lead the way in making wellbeing at work a reality.”