Speaking ahead of BBC Headfest and GCHW’s 12th Global Healthy Workplace Summit

In the UK there are good programmes and initiatives supporting and raising awareness of workplace wellbeing, going beyond mental health and fruit bowls to adopt a holistic approach to employee health, according to Barry Crisp, Marketing Director of the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces.

Speaking on BBC Radio Northampton ahead of Headfest event on 25 October at the University of Northampton, Barry highlighted that workplace health encompasses much more than mental health. Much of the work that the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces does is aligned with The World Health Organization (WHO) Model of a Healthy Workplace, which considers factors such as the physical work environment, psychosocial work environment, enterprise community involvement, personal health resources, leadership engagement, ethics and values, and worker involvement.

“Workplace health isn’t just about addressing mental health or putting out healthier snacks,” Barry said. “It’s about creating a work culture where physical environments are safe and supportive, leadership is engaged, and employees feel valued through ethical practices and community connection.”

The UK, he said, is in a strong position, thanks to a robust system of workplace health initiatives, including numerous charities, legislation, public bodies, and programmes dedicated to employee wellbeing across both the public and private sectors.

Barry Crisp has been involved in the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces (GCHW) since its inception in 2012 alongside Co-Directors Tommy Hutchinson and Wolf Kirsten (peer reviewer of the WHO Model of A Healthy Workplace). The centre’s mission is to help organisations worldwide develop healthy workplace programmes, improving both employee wellbeing and overall organisational performance.

One of GCHW’s key initiatives is a global awards programme recognising companies that set high standards for workplace health. Each year, organisations are invited to submit their workplace health programmes, and finalists are chosen to present their initiatives at a best practice global summit. This year’s summit will take place in Brasilia, Brazil 6-7 November.

“While there’s always room for improvement, there are many UK companies doing well when it comes to workplace health,” Barry noted. “We have strong frameworks in place, and many companies are striving to do better in taking care of their employees.”

Barry Crisp also praised the University of Northampton for its commitment to mental health and wellbeing, mentioning regular men’s mental health meet-ups, support services for both staff and students, as well as other proactive initiatives. The University of Northampton hosted last year’s global summit. He expressed his excitement that this year’s Headfest event, focused on mental health, would be hosted at the university where he teaches.

With workplace health at the forefront of national discussion, companies and programmes in the UK are well-placed to continue leading by example, demonstrating that a truly healthy workplace must account for both the mental and physical aspects of employee wellbeing while fostering community and ethical values.

Original article Workplace mental health in the UK ‘in a good spot’ first appeared on BBC News.

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