This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New healthy workplace programme
12/02/2007
A new programme to encourage health promotion in the workplace was launched today.
The new Healthy Working Lives Award Programme from the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives will build on the successful and world-leading Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) initiative which more than 1,600 Scottish employers have signed up to.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"Studies have shown that for every £1 invested in promoting health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace, an organisation can save at least £3.73 in reduced costs and improved productivity.
"Scotland has a good record of promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace - for example the SHAW initiative covers 40 per cent of the Scottish workforce including some of our biggest and most successful businesses.
"But in the 11 years since that programme was set up, our understanding of work-related ill-health has moved on. That is why as well as promoting the importance of healthy eating and regular physical activity, the new criteria place a greater emphasis on mental wellbeing.
"Employers, by demonstrating concern for their employees welfare, can improve their bottom-line through greater loyalty and stronger commitment from the workforce.
"A Healthy Working Lives award can also provide evidence to current and prospective clients and suppliers that a business takes an active role in its responsibilities for the provision of health, safety and wellbeing of its workforce.
"This new award will keep Scotland at the forefront and will give a competitive edge to business."
The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives was set up in April 2005 to drive forward Scotland's effort to improve the health of Scots of working age. As part of their service they run the Healthy Working Lives Award Programme (Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and Mental Health Commendation Award). For more information visit.