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Well Issue 3: Autumn/Winter 2003/04
Raising Awareness
SHAW
Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) is a national award scheme which rewards companies' efforts and achievements in building a healthy workplace.
Workplace advisers from the 15 Scottish health boards provide free advice and support to workplaces across Scotland and are continually identifying companies who might be eligible to win a Bronze, Silver or Gold SHAW Award.
"Companies of all sizes are eligible," says Nina Goodlad, one of SHAW's workplace health promotion advisors. "The awards recognise the commitment of management but also the enthusiasm and contribution of everyone in the organisation.
"For each level there's a set of core and additional criteria so that progress through the award levels can be tailored to suit any particular workplace. This way, an action plan is developed specifically to improve health in that organisation."
Mental health in the workplace is now a key focus for SHAW and the Scottish Executive has recently approved funding for a three-year post for a SHAW Mental Health Adviser who will help SHAW and non-SHAW companies to promote good mental health in the workplace. SHAW advisers and companies have also been heavily involved in the "see me" anti-stigma campaign focus groups which are targeting the workplace.
"There is now is a much higher awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace," says Nina. "Smoking, healthy eating, physical activity and personal health have taken priority, but we are currently working towards a specific commendation for companies who promote positive mental health policies."
During Mental Health Week (6-11 October) SHAW will be piloting a new Mental Health Awareness Training programme for workplaces. The two-day training course will cover legislation, job retention, rehabilitation, risk assessment and good mental health promotion for all staff.
Nina Goodlad, SHAW
Tel: 01224 551 352
Email:nina.goodlad@health-promotions.com
Iain McMillan CBE
Director, CBI Scotland, says: CBI SCOTLAND "Highly trained, confident and motivated teams are vital if Scotland's businesses are to prove themselves as being progressive, successful and able to compete in world markets. "Employers cannot ignore the fact that an estimated 80 million days in the UK are lost every year due to mental health problems costing between 1 billion and 2 billion* and they need to be aware that positive mental health is as important as physical health when it comes to performance and productivity. "Only one in ten companies in the UK have an official policy on mental health** and CBI Scotland fully supports the work of the National Programme and of initiatives like SHAW in raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues in the workplace." *The Mental Health Foundation, UK, 2000 **CBI and Department of Health, "Promoting Mental Health at Work" 1997 
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