Health protection resources for businesses

Health and well-being at work

Employers and employees should work together to support health, well-being and safety in the workplace.

Employers have a legal duty to do everything reasonably practicable to protect the health, safety and well-being of their workforce.

Visit the acas website, to find a range of resources to help your organisation promote positive well-being at work

Advice on respiratory illness, including COVID-19

Controlling respiratory infections in the workplace will help you to maintain a healthy workforce and assist with business continuity.

Key points to consider are:

• encouraging and supporting vaccination for eligible staff, visit the NHS website for information about vaccination services

• good ventilation in the work place, visit the HSE website for guidance about ventilation

• regular and effective cleaning, especially of frequently touched surfaces

• encourage staff who have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, to follow the government guidance, visit the Gov.UK website for guidance on dealing with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19 

• encourage regular handwashing, especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating or handling food, after touching shared surfaces, and when returning home

• promote good respiratory hygiene, including covering coughs and sneezes, disposing of tissues straight away, and cleaning hands regularly, where a tissue is not available, use the inside of your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes

• clear policies on when staff should stay at home or work remotely where possible.

If you have high rates of staff absence, or staff are becoming seriously unwell, and you would like further advice email healthprotectionhub@telford.gov.uk.

Visit the GOV.UK website for guidance on reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace

Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work

Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health, safety and well-being of their employees.

Recognising the signs of drug and alcohol misuse can help you manage workplace risks, develop effective policies, and provide appropriate support to employees who may be affected.

Visit the HSE website for guidance on managing drug and alcohol misuse at work

Stress, mental health and employee well-being

Poor mental health affects both people and businesses. A 2022 study by Deloitte found that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion each year, an increase of 25% since 2019.

To help tackle this issue, Telford & Wrekin Council and Enterprise Telford have partnered with Telford Mind to support local businesses in improving workplace wellbeing and mental health.

Visit the Telford Mind website to access their services and for links to other relevant materials

Five ways to well-being

Mind promotes the five ways to well-being, which are simple, practical actions that can help improve and maintain mental wellbeing:

• connect

• get active

• take notice

• learn 

• give.

Visit the Mind website for further information on the five ways to well-being, and the positive impact they can have on mental health and well-being.