bWell bitesized - Getting your finances in shape - LifeWork Checker
The New Year is traditionally where we look to make a new start. But while we often think about rebooting our physical and mental health, our financial health can be overlooked. Here’s how to help employees get their finances in shape with the LifeWork Checker.
bWell bitesized - Getting your finances in shape - LifeWork Checker
The New Year is traditionally where we look to make a new start. But while we often think about rebooting our physical and mental health – getting fitter, thinner or reducing stress – our financial health can be overlooked.
But as our Christmas credit card spending drops through our doors, there’s no better time to get our finances in good shape.
This financial checker from Lifeworks gives your staff an overview of how money management can affect their stress, relationships – and their future. And provides tailored guidance on what to work on and how to improve their financial wellbeing. https://unumgb.lifeworks.com/assessments**
** LifeWorks is available to Unum Group Income Protection, Critical Illness and Life insurance customers – sign up and individual staff log-ins required. For more info on everything LifeWorks has to offer, visit https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks
bWell bitesized – Getting our finances in shape - LifeWork Perks
As the January cold bites our extremities, post-Christmas bills can also take a significant chunk out of our budgets. To help you get more bang for your buck in 2021 whether you’re shopping online or out and about, take a look at LifeWorks Perks.
bWell bitesized – Getting our finances in shape - LifeWork Perks
As the January cold bites our extremities, post-Christmas bills can also take a significant chunk out of our budgets. To help get more bang for our buck in 2021, whether you’re shopping online or out and about, take a look at LifeWorks Perks.
LifeWorks Perks offers access to thousands of exclusive discounts and the ability to save money on everyday essentials and important events, including online cashback, discounted gift cards, cinema discounts, in-store coupons and more.**
** LifeWorks is available to Unum Group Income Protection, Critical Illness and Life insurance customers – sign up and individual staff log-ins required. For more info on everything LifeWorks has to offer, visit https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks
U-First webinars
We’re kicking off 2021 with a focus on employee wellbeing, and helping you to give your people the best possible start to the new year. January will see us deliver a suite of our U-First online webinars, designed especially for employees.
U-First webinars
We’re kicking off 2021 with a focus on employee wellbeing, and helping you to give your people the best possible start to the new year.
January will see us deliver a suite of our U-First online webinars, designed especially for employees, beginning with ‘Resilience’ on 12th Jan, followed by ‘Movement matters’ on the 19th and ‘Lifestyle management’ on the 26th.
U-First webinar - Resilience
Join us for our first U-First online webinar of 2021 – Resilience. Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at how people might feel when under stress, and explores hints, tips and strategies to improve resilience.
Join us for our first U-First online webinar of 2021 – Resilience
Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at how people might feel when under stress, and explores hints, tips and strategies to improve resilience and suggests steps to improve wellbeing both at home and at work.
These sessions are all about you and how making some small changes to our approach to wellbeing at work and home can make all the difference to our mood, mind and energy.
U-First webinar - Movement matters
Join us for our second U-First online webinar for January – Movement matters. Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at why movement matters, and covers common musculoskeletal disorders and their causes, risk factors and how to set up a workstation.
U-First webinar - Movement matters
Join us at 11am for our second U-First online webinar for January – Movement matters.
Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at why movement matters, and covers common musculoskeletal disorders and their causes, understanding risk factors, how to set up a workstation (including cars) and signposts to other useful resources.
These sessions are all about you and how making some small changes to our approach to wellbeing at work and home can make all the difference to our mood, mind and energy.
U-First webinar - Lifestyle management
Join us at 11am for the third of our January U-First online webinars – Lifestyle management. Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at encouraging small but sustainable changes to our lifestyle to improve health and wellbeing.
U-First webinar - Lifestyle management
Join us at 11am for the third of our January U-First online webinars – Lifestyle management
Designed especially for employees, the webinar looks at encouraging small but sustainable changes to our lifestyle to improve health and wellbeing, and the 6 pillars of wellbeing – nutrition and hydration; rest and sleep, movement; energy management; stress management and work.
You’ll leave the session having made a commitment to an achievable and impactful lifestyle change.
These sessions are all about you and how making some small changes to our approach to wellbeing at work and home can make all the difference to our mood, mind and energy.
How to plan mental wellbeing
How do you plan the management of employees’ mental wellbeing for the year ahead? 2020 has tested us like nothing in a generation, businesses have conflicting priorities, and there can be so much information to sift through. We look at how Unum can help.
How to plan mental wellbeing
Where do you start when planning how best to manage employees’ mental wellbeing for the year ahead? 2020 has tested us like nothing in a generation, businesses have conflicting priorities, and there can be so much information to sift through.
‘How to plan mental wellbeing’ looks at how the tools and support from Unum can provide start-to-finish wellbeing, mental health and absence management support – as part and parcel of your Group Income Protection policy.
bWell bitesized
A monthly resource for you and your people to help support your wellbeing journey…
bWell bitesized
Even small changes to our lifestyles can go a long way to helping to reduce our risk of cancer. Share these 5 top tips with your employees.
The bWell podcast - Lifestyle and cancer
The bWell Podcast speaks to Reframe about ways to lower the risk of cancer via positive lifestyle choices...In association with Reframe
In association with 
The bWell podcast - Lifestyle and cancer
Half of people born after 1960s will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime* with 125,000 people of working age now receiving a cancer diagnosis every year. However, around 1 in 3 cases of the most common cancers could be prevented**, and there are ways you can lower your risk and improve your general health.
In this podcast, we are joined by our partners Reframe to discuss which lifestyle changes we could make to reduce our risk of cancer.
https://thebwellpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-14-lifestyle-and-cancer/
*Cancer Risk Statistics - Cancer Research UK
**Cancer Risk Statistics - Cancer Research UK
Cancer in the workplace webinar
The chances are we, or someone we know has had to deal with a cancer diagnosis. In recognition of World Cancer Day, our ‘Cancer in the workplace’ webinar – in partnership with Maggie’s – is open to everyone and looks at what we can do to support someone with cancer, the support available to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, changes we can make to our lifestyle to reduce our risk of cancer with a cancer diagnosis to stay at, or return to work.
Cancer in the workplace webinar with Maggie's Centres - Thursday 4th February at 11am
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*.
It’s highly likely that we, or someone we know has had to deal with a cancer diagnosis.
In recognition of World Cancer Day, our ‘Cancer in the workplace’ webinar – in partnership with Maggie’s – is open to everyone and looks at what we can do to support someone with cancer, the support available to anyone with a cancer diagnosis – including from Maggie’s and Unum – and changes we can make to our lifestyle to reduce our risk of cancer.
The bWell podcast - How to manage and improve sleep
In the latest bWell Podcast, we discuss the benefits of sleep and the importance of a good night's rest... In association with Wellbeing 24
The bWell podcast - How to manage and improve sleep
Many of us could benefit from improved sleep quality. While getting adequate rest underpins our health and wellbeing, health conditions such as increased stress and anxiety can be the result of disturbed sleep patterns. Conversely, poor mental health could impact our ability to get a good night’s rest. In our latest podcast, we explore the benefits of sleeping well and share tips to help ensure you’re not tossing and turning in the wee small hours.
Listen to the latest episode by clicking play below or click here to check out all episodes of The bWell podcast.
Diversity, inclusion and equality webinar
International Women’s Day is a hugely important day, not just for women, but for all of us. While the world’s made large strides towards striking a balance between genders, a survey by the National Centre for Social Research revealed that a shocking 28% of respondents still believe ‘women should stay at home’.Our ‘Diversity, inclusion and equality’ webinar is open to all staff and every gender, and designed to shine a spotlight on what we can all do to close the gender gap.
Diversity, inclusion and equality webinar -
Monday 8th of March at 11am
International Women’s Day is a hugely important day, not just for women, but for all of us. While the world’s made large strides towards striking a balance between genders, a survey by the National Centre for Social Research revealed that a shocking 28% of respondents still believe ‘women should stay at home’.
The World Economic Forum states we are still 99 years away from equality. However successful diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives can work to create a more inclusive workplace.
Our ‘Diversity, inclusion and equality’ webinar is open to all staff and every gender, and designed to shine a spotlight on what we can all do to close the gender gap.
Women and wellbeing
In our ‘Women and wellbeing’ article, we look at why women have more health and wellbeing concerns than men, sickness absence triggers, the workplace taboo of the menopause and how employees can help women’s workplace wellbeing.
Women and wellbeing
In our ‘Women and wellbeing’ article, we look at why women have more health and wellbeing concerns than men, sickness absence triggers, the workplace taboo of the menopause and how employees can help women’s workplace wellbeing.
bWell bitesized
April is stress awareness month. So how can you best support your staff and provide access to the right tools to help them manage their own response to stress?
bWell bitesized
April is stress awareness month – the ideal time to think about how you can best support your staff and provide access to the right tools to help them manage their own response to stress.
Unum’s Group Income Protection customers have access to LifeWorks’ Stress care programme, plus a range of valuable wellbeing resources.*
And don’t forget to remind your staff of the ‘Power of 4’ with LifeWorks’ ‘4 ways to take care of yourself’ infographic.
*When you sign up to LifeWorks, your employees can get individualised log ins, enabling them to enhance their own wellbeing when they need it. Sign up to LifeWorks at https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks.
World Health Day
The annual World Heath Day aims to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
World Health Day
The annual World Heath Day aims to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.
Webinar – Supporting employees with long-term conditions
Long term conditions can affect anyone. While conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, migraines and even MS may be considered minor when compared to heart conditions, cancer or stroke, most are still limiting and debilitating.
Webinar - Supporting employees with long-term conditions 7th April 11am
Long term conditions can affect anyone and include among others: bi-polar, inflammatory bowel diseases, migraines and multiple sclerosis. While some may be considered minor when compared to heart conditions, cancer or stroke, most are still limiting and debilitating.
Aimed at HR and line managers, this session will explore:
- The characteristics of a long-term condition
- How businesses can support someone with a long-term condition
- Potential legal implications
- How to have the conversations and make the right decisions
- Reviewing your employee’s progress
- Managing relapses
A pocketful of stress – the impact of financial ill-health
The relationship between stress and finances can be direct, difficult and debilitating. In ‘A pocketful of stress’, we’ll explore the impact finances can have on our mental wellbeing and what can be done to help.
A pocketful of stress – the impact of financial ill-health
The relationship between stress and finances can be direct, difficult and debilitating. In ‘A pocketful of stress’, we’ll explore the impact finances can have on our mental wellbeing, look at ways to restore our financial health and how you can support your staff.
Cancer in the workplace webinar
The number of people with cancer is on the rise. Find out how you can help employees with cancer stay at or return to work…
In association with 
Cancer in the workplace webinar with Maggie's Centres - Thursday 22nd April at 11am
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*.
With an ever-increasing need to provide expert support and guidance to employers and employees affected by cancer, our webinar with Maggie’s is open to everyone and looks at:
- Diagnosed employees’ emotional, physical and psychological needs
- How to approaching situations with knowledge, empathy and understanding
- Creating the right framework to support and manage employees with cancer
bWell bitesized
With spring well and truly upon us, LifeWorks’ podcast can help get your staff walking.
bWell bitesized
With spring well and truly upon us, get your staff walking! Share LifeWorks’ walking podcast with your employees and help them rediscover the physical, social and emotional benefits of walking.*
*Available to Unum’s Group Income Protection customers. When you sign up to LifeWorks, your employees can get individualised log ins, enabling them to enhance their own wellbeing when they need it. Sign up to LifeWorks at https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks.
Mental health in the workplace in a post-covid world
As we start to look at returning to something like normal, we look at the role the line manager has to play in a post-covid world.
Webinars - Mental health in the workplace in a post-covid world 18th May at 11am
The coronavirus pandemic has tested our mental health like nothing in generations. As the vaccine takes effect and we start to look at returning to something like normal, we look at the role of the line manager in a post-covid world.
Guide to creating a mental health policy
Organisations can vary considerably in how they tackle mental health, but only 33%of employers have a written policy or guidance, and less than half have a proactive wellbeing strategy1. Our guide to creating a mental health policy is designed to help you create a mental health policy, and suggests six elements to underpin any approach, strategy or policy related to mental health.
Guide to creating a mental health policy
Organisations can vary considerably in how they tackle mental health, but only 33% of employers have a written policy or guidance, and less than half of employers have a proactive wellbeing strategy1.
Our guide to creating a mental health policy is designed to help you create a mental health policy – based on Mental Health at Work’s 2019 commitment and Stephenson Farmer’s mental health standards from ‘Thriving at work’ – and suggests six elements to underpin any approach, strategy or policy related to mental health.
Read our guide to creating a mental health policy
1. CIPD heath and wellbeing report 2020
bWell bitesized
Eating healthily is one of the most important things you can do for your body. Lifeworks helps you understand the basics of a healthy diet and looks at ways to make better nutrition a part of everyday life*.
bWell bitesized
Eating healthily is one of the most important things you can do for your body. A balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, avoid disease, and feel more energetic. Lifeworks helps you understand the basics of a healthy diet and looks at ways to make better nutrition a part of everyday life*.
https://unumgb.lifeworks.com/life/employee-assistance/articles/health/health-habits/diet-and-nutrition/healthy-nutrition
*Available to Unum’s Group Income Protection customers. When you sign up to LifeWorks, your employees can get individualised log ins, enabling them to enhance their own wellbeing when they need it. Sign up to LifeWorks at https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks.
bWell bitesized - Eating well and planning healthy meals
Maintaining a balanced diet and eating healthily while coping with challenges can be difficult. LifeWorks’ Certified Health Education Specialist, Wendy McLaughlin answers six questions on how you can plan healthy meals – even in difficult circumstances.
bWell bitesized - Eating well and planning healthy meals
Maintaining a balanced diet and eating healthily while coping with challenges can be difficult. In this interview, LifeWorks’ Certified Health Education Specialist, Wendy McLaughlin answers six questions on how you can plan healthy meals – even while facing difficult circumstances. She also provides a wealth of healthy eating hacks to keep you from slipping into bad food habits.*
https://unumgb.lifeworks.com/life/employee-assistance/articles/health/health-habits/diet-and-nutrition/eating-well_planning-healthy-meals
*Available to Unum’s Group Income Protection customers. When you sign up to LifeWorks, your employees can get individualised log ins, enabling them to enhance their own wellbeing when they need it. Sign up to LifeWorks at https://info.unum.co.uk/LifeWorks.
Who cares for the carers?
According to Carers UK, 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work - that's 1 in 7 of the workforce. We look at the value of carers to the workplace, how you can support people with caring responsibilities, and help them to stay in the workplace.
Who cares for the carers?
According to Carers UK, 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work - that's 1 in 7 of the workforce. However, the significant demands of caring mean that 600 people give up work every day to care for an older or disabled relative .
In ‘Who cares for the carers? we look at the value of carers to the workplace, how to create a carers policy, how you can support those with caring responsibilities, and help them stay in the workplace.
1. https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/press-releases/facts-and-figures
Webinar - Men's health
Gender-related health issues are rarely talked about at work. ‘Men’s health’ aims to increase understanding about common gender-specific health conditions, encourage communication, and educate line managers on how to support staff.
Webinar - Men's health 15th June at 11am
Gender-related health issues are rarely talked about at work, often due to stigma or embarrassment. This webinar has been developed to increase understanding about common gender-specific health conditions, encourage communication, and educate line managers on how they can support their staff.
We’ll look at:
• Gender-related health issues
• Common conditions, and the physical, mental and emotional impact
• Burnout and mental health
• What you can do as an organisation
• Unconscious bias
bWell bitesized - Put the 'U' in JUly
Summer is finally here. After a difficult 2020 (and let’s face it, 2021 didn’t get off to a great start either), it’s time to allow ourselves to feel good and take the opportunity to indulge in a little compassion and self-care.
bWell bitesized - Put the 'U' in JUly
Summer is finally here. After a difficult 2020 (and let’s face it, 2021 didn’t get off to a great start either), it’s time to allow ourselves to feel good and take the opportunity to indulge in a little compassion and self-care.
Our article on ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ shows how you and your employees can improve and maintain your wellbeing with simple, practical hints and tips. Practicing self-care is also important in maintaining our physical and mental health. For help, take a look at LifeWorks’ ’50 ways to practice self-care’ (LifeWorks log-in required).
How an EAP can enhance 5 ways to wellbeing
The New Economics Foundation's ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ have been established as a global framework for good mental and physical wellbeing. But what are they and how can the support of an Employee Assistance Programme really help employees to get the best out of them?
How an EAP can enhance 5 ways to wellbeing
The New Economics Foundation's ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ have been established as a global framework for good mental and physical wellbeing. But even these simple steps can benefit from the support of a good Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Our article looks at the range of tools our EAP, LifeWorks through Morneau Shepell, has to offer and how these can really help employees to get the best out of ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. (LifeWorks log-in required).
Maggie’s Cancer in the Workplace webinar
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*. With an ever-increasing need to provide expert support, Unum have developed a new session which is open to everyone.
Cancer in the workplace webinar with Maggie's Centres - 29th July 2021
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*. With an ever-increasing need to provide expert support, Unum have developed a new session which is open to everyone.
We will look at
- what we can do to support someone with cancer
- the support available to anyone with a cancer diagnosis – including from Maggie’s and Unum
- changes we can make to our lifestyle to try reduce our risk of cancer.
Join us for our ‘Cancer in the Workplace’ webinar
*The Changing Story of Cancer
bWell bitesized – Bereavement support
According to the National Bereavement Alliance, over half a million people die each year in England alone, while Covid-19 left many people unable to see a dying loved one or even have a proper funeral. Now, more than ever, offering the right support to a bereaved person is essential.
bWell bitesized – Bereavement support
It’s National Grief Awareness Day this month, and according to the National Bereavement Alliance, over half a million people die each year in England alone*, leaving bereaved family and friends. Covid-19 also left many people unable to see a dying loved one or even have a proper funeral. Now, more than ever, offering the right support to a bereaved and grieving person is essential.
Our bereavement guide produced with Child Bereavement UK can help both employers and employees navigate bereavement and the grieving process. Employers and employees can also visit our bereavement e-module, which looks at what bereavement is, bereavement in the workplace and supporting bereaved colleagues.
Unum customers also have access to LifeWorks’ Care Now and grief programmes designed to help people deal with grief and loss. (LifeWorks log-in required).
*https://nationalbereavementalliance.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Manifesto-GE2019.pdf
Guide to supporting grieving and bereaved employees at work
At any time, one in 10 people in the UK are likely to be affected by bereavement. Our ‘Guide to supporting grieving and bereaved employees at work’, explores the impact of bereavement, how and why employers should support employees, plus links to practical tools designed to help employees and employers through the often challenging journey through grief and bereavement.
Guide to supporting grieving and bereaved employees at work
At any time, one in 10 people in the UK are likely to be affected by bereavement* – physically, emotionally and psychologically. And it’s not always possible to leave our feelings at the door to the workplace.
Our ‘Guide to supporting grieving and bereaved employees at work’, explores the impact of bereavement, how and why employers should support employees, the importance of a bereavement policy, plus links to practical tools – including our own bereavement guide, designed to help employees and employers through the unique, and often challenging, journey through grief and bereavement.
Read our guide to supporting grieving and bereaved employees at work
* https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/about-grief/bereavement-at-work
National Grief Awareness Day
National Grief Awareness Day highlights the impact of grief and the eventual paths to healing and closure.
National Grief Awareness Day
National Grief Awareness Day highlights the impact of grief and the eventual paths to healing and closure. Although primarily a US awareness day, grief is a global issue. That makes it a day for us all to reach out to those suffering from grief and loss and remind them that you’re there.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Each year, the world loses one person to suicide every 40 seconds*. World Suicide Prevention Day is about coming together to do all we can to increase awareness of suicidal behaviour and finding strategies to prevent such deaths.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Each year, the world loses one person to suicide every 40 seconds*. World Suicide Prevention Day is about coming together to do all we can to increase awareness of suicidal behaviour and finding strategies to prevent such deaths.
*https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/suicide-data
Better working environment to boost wellbeing
We spend around a third of our lives just doing our jobs. So it’s little wonder that our working environment can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. ‘Better working environments to boost wellbeing’ shows employers how to improve both the physical and mental aspects of the workplace, and how having good support and initiatives can improve health and resilience.
Better working environment to boost wellbeing
A typical eight-hour working day means that we spend around a third of our lives just doing our jobs. No wonder then, that our working environment can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. It makes sound business sense for organisations to ensure that where and how we work is a positive experience and not something akin to a Dickensian workhouse.
‘Better working environment to boost wellbeing’ shows employers how to improve both the physical and mental aspects of the workplace. We’ll also look at how being open, and having good support and initiatives can improve health and resilience.
Cancer in the workplace
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030.
In association with
Cancer in the workplace webinar with Maggie's Centres - Thursday 16th September at 11am
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*.
With an ever-increasing need to provide expert support and guidance to employers and employees affected by cancer, our webinar with Maggie’s is open to everyone and looks at:
- Diagnosed employees’ emotional, physical and psychological needs
- How to approaching situations with knowledge, empathy and understanding
- Creating the right framework to support and manage employees with cancer
* Macmillan: Cancer Support Statistics Fact Sheet, February 2019
World Cancer Research Day
Raising awareness of the importance of cancer research...
World Cancer Research Day
According to Cancer Research UK, half of adults born in the UK after 1960 will develop cancer during their lives*. World Cancer Research Day celebrates the international efforts that go into fighting this disease.
bWell bitesized - Marathon in a month for cancer research
24th September sees the organisations fighting against cancer across the world come together for World Cancer Research Day. So why not use this ideal time to combine cancer fundraising with mood and wellbeing-enhancing physical activity? Join thousands of others and get involved in the Marathon in a Month Challenge.
bWell bitesized - Marathon in a month for cancer research
24th September sees the organisations fighting against cancer across the world come together for World Cancer Research Day. So why not use this ideal time to combine cancer fundraising with mood and wellbeing-enhancing physical activity?
Join thousands of others and get involved in the Marathon in a Month Challenge. Walk, run, (or hop or skip – whatever takes your fancy) 26.2 miles in a month. Whether that’s a mile at a time or all in one, you’ll raise much-needed funds for vital cancer research – research that’s been curtailed by the pandemic.
Your route, your time, your marathon. Find out more at Cancer Research UK.
bWell bitesized - Top tips to reduce our risk of cancer
Even small changes to our lifestyles can go a long way to helping to reduce our risk of cancer. Share these 5 top tips with your employees.
bWell bitesized - Top tips to reduce our risk of cancer
Covid-19 hasn’t just affected people directly – it’s also had a huge effect on people with cancer, delaying both diagnosis and treatment. So much so, that cancer charity Macmillan estimates clearing the backlog in cancer diagnosis will take 20 months*.
But even small changes to our lifestyles can go a long way to helping to reduce our risk of cancer. Share these 5 top tips with your employees.
* https://www.macmillan.org.uk/assets/forgotten-c-impact-of-covid-19-on-cancer-care.pdf
Black History Month
In the UK, this year’s Black History Month is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and sees the launch of the ‘Proud to Be’ campaign.
Black History Month
In the UK, this year’s Black History Month is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Its ‘Proud to Be’ campaign will encourage Black and Brown people to share what they are proud to be in a month dedicated to celebrating the diversity of Black and Brown heritage in the UK.
In a year where news broke that unemployment during the pandemic among Black and minority ethnic (BME) people rose at three times the rate of white unemployment,* now more than ever we all must take action.
*https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-bme-unemployment-rising-3-times-fast-white-unemployment
Back Care Awareness Week
Take care of your back — it’s the only one you’ve got! Back Care Awareness Week runs from October 4 to October 8 and reminds us to take care of our spinal health, especially this year, when so many of us have spent much more time at home working, studying and generally living our lives in lockdown.
Back Care Awareness Week
Movement is incredibly important to stave off the dreaded backache, so for Back Care Awareness Week we’ve put together this series of exercises for desk workers to stretch out your muscles after a long day at your computer. Check them out!
http://online.positiveimagesuk.com/unum/images/UP3341.pdf
World Mental Health Day
The annual World Mental Health Day sees us reflect on topics such as mental health in the workplace, mental health inequality and later life mental health, including dementia.
World Mental Health Day
The annual World Mental Health Day sees us reflect on topics such as mental health in the workplace, mental health inequality and later life mental health, including dementia.
bWell bitesized - Move it! Move it!
The 4th to 8th October is Back Care Awareness Week. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK experience back pain, not helped by the nine hours a day we spend sitting on our backsides. So why not encourage your employees to get on their feet and like the slightly annoying lemur in the Madagascar films says: “Move it! Move it!”
bWell bitesized - Move it! Move it!
The 4th to 8th October is Back Care Awareness Week.
Around 1 in 5 people in the UK experience back pain*. And that’s not helped by the nine hours a day spent sitting on our backsides**. So why not challenge your employees to record how much they sit every day for a week? And next week, get them on their feet by following the 40:20 rule (40 minutes sitting, 10 minutes standing plus 10 minutes moving and/or stretching). And, like the slightly annoying lemur in the Madagascar films says: “Move it! Move it!”
You could even set a smartwatch/Fitbit challenge (other fitness apps are available!) – where the person with the most proven active minutes wins a prize!
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/1099975/prevalence-of-back-pain-in-the-uk/
**https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/why-sitting-too-much-is-bad-for-us/
Diversity and wellbeing
In recognition of Black History Month, our ‘Diversity and wellbeing’ webinar recognises the impact that being in a minority group can have on wellbeing and mental health. We’ll also look at the effect that ignorance, a lack of awareness and inaction can have, and how diversity can benefit your business.
Diversity and wellbeing
In recognition of Black History Month, our ‘Diversity and wellbeing’ webinar recognises the impact that being in a minority group can have on wellbeing and mental health. We’ll also look at what you can do as a business, as a team and as an individual to enhance wellbeing, understand what inclusivity is, the effect that ignorance, a lack of awareness and inaction can have, and how diversity can benefit your business.
A history of racism at work - why Black Lives Matter
Sadly, even in the 21st century, it seems that some people still need to be persuaded that Black Lives Matter. But it’s only by exploring our past that we can truly understand and improve our futures. Our article looks at racism in the workplace, the strides made for change and what we call do to educate ourselves, and usher in a truly diverse and equal workforce.
A history of racism at work - why Black Lives Matter
Sadly, even in the 21st century, it seems that some people still need to be persuaded that Black Lives Matter. But centuries of slavery and empire-building still leave a legacy today. As the UK begins to come to terms with its past – revisiting and removing monuments to people who built their fame and fortune from the labour of others, it’s only by exploring our past that we can truly understand and improve our futures. Our article looks at racism in the workplace, the strides made for change and what we call do to educate ourselves, and usher in a truly diverse and equal workforce.
Mouth Cancer Action Month
Every November, the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation team up to launch Mouth Cancer Action Month.
Mouth Cancer Action Month
Every November, the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation launch Mouth Cancer Action Month.
Mouth cancer prevalence is up by 49% in just 10 years. More than 2,700 people a year sadly lose their battle to it, with late detection meaning the 5-year survival rate has barely budged in decades.*
It’s no wonder that both the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation want us to #BeMouthAware 365 days a year, not just in November.
*https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/mouth-cancer-facts-and-figures/
bWell bitesized - You know the drill
According to a 2020 survey by the Oral Health Foundation, more than a third (38%) of British adults snacked more during the first lockdown, while in the under 35s, it was a hefty 61%. Two more lockdowns in, here are some handy tips about good (and bad) snacks, information and resources about improving your oral health and Unum Dental’s 'You know the drill' infographic on healthy teeth.
bWell bitesized - You know the drill
According to a 2020 survey by the Oral Health Foundation, more than a third (38%) of British adults snacked more during the first lockdown, while in the under 35s, it was a hefty 61%*.
As well as the impact sweet, sugary treats can have on our physical health, they can also affect our oral health. But some simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Why not challenge your colleagues to embrace healthier options for a month to protect their oral health?
Here are some handy tips about good (and bad) snacks, information and resources about improving your oral health and Unum Dental’s 'You know the drill' infographic on healthy teeth*.
* https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/lockdown-leading-to-increased-snacking-culture-claims-charity
Talk Money Week
During Talk Money Week, The Money and Pensions Service, a body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, will encourage us to #TalkMoney.
Talk Money Week
During Talk Money Week (November 8th -November 12th), The Money and Pensions Service, a body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, will encourage us to #TalkMoney.
With research finding that people who talk about their finances make better and less risky financial decisions, have stronger personal relationships and are less stressed or anxious, the power of talking about money is too important to pass up.
Alcohol Awareness Week
The theme of this year's Alcohol Awareness Week focuses on alcohol and its impact on relationships.
Alcohol Awareness Week
November 15th-21st 2021 is Alcohol Awareness Week. This year’s theme is alcohol and its impact on relationships.
Many of us associate alcohol with socialising. However, sometimes either our drinking or a loved one’s drinking can actually negatively affect relationships, having a huge impact on our lives. Moreover, as we leave lockdown there may be new pressures to drink — 'sober shaming' — and pressures to get back to ‘normal’ socialising, which might include booze.
This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week will examine how alcohol can affect our relationships, with stories, factsheets, tips and more.
The not-so-sweet spot: The bitter truth about sugar
In 2016, the government challenged the food and hospitality industry to reduce sugar in foods by 20% to tackle obesity and its associated health conditions. Our article looks at sugar and ill-health, the latest findings on the impact of reduced sugar, and ways to stay healthy.
The not-so-sweet spot: The bitter truth about sugar
In 2016, the government challenged the food and hospitality industry to reduce sugar in foods by 20% to tackle obesity and its associated health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. With 2 in 3 adults overweight or obese, and 1 in 3 children the same when they start secondary school*, we need to think before indulging our sweet tooth – especially with the festive season approaching. Our article looks at sugar and ill-health, the latest findings on the impact of reduced sugar, and ways to stay healthy.
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/third-year-of-industry-progress-to-reduce-sugar-published
Cancer in the workplace
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030.
In association with
Cancer in the workplace webinar with Maggie's Centres - Thursday 18th November at 11am
In 2015, an estimated 2.5 million people were living with cancer in the UK – a figure that’s predicted to rise to 4 million by 2030*.
With an ever-increasing need to provide expert support and guidance to employers and employees affected by cancer, our webinar with Maggie’s is open to everyone and looks at:
- Diagnosed employees’ emotional, physical and psychological needs
- How to approaching situations with knowledge, empathy and understanding
- Creating the right framework to support and manage employees with cancer
* Macmillan: Cancer Support Statistics Fact Sheet, February 2019
Advent energiser
As much as most of us look forward to Christmas and the festive period, it can sometimes be a touch stressful and a strain on the wallet. We're to help you with our Advent energiser.
Advent energiser
Christmas can sometimes be a time for over indulgence as we eat, drink and be merry. But let's face it, it can also be a touch stressful and a strain on the wallet.
We're to help you this festive period with our Advent energiser wellbeing calendar.
Open one tip each day to keep you healthy, wealthy and wise!
