West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) wants to help businesses save money, improve employee wellbeing and increase productivity through the Thrive at Work trial.

The programme will support workplaces to better promote employee wellbeing. Grants, training materials and support will be available for businesses with 20 to 250 employees who sign up to take part. 

WMCA is looking for 148 businesses across Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell to sign up for the pilot. 

Cllr Izzi Secombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and WMCA portfolio holder for wellbeing, said:

“It is estimated that 40 per cent of sick days taken in the West Midlands relate to a mental health problem.

“Four million estimated working days are lost every year due to mental health conditions, and separately, musculoskeletal conditions led to between eight and nine million estimated working days lost in 2016/2017 in the West Midlands.

“The National Institute of Clinical Excellence estimates that businesses which implement programmes to improve and promote staff wellbeing could save between £130 and £5,020 for each participating employee by reducing their absence or illness at work.

“This trial is a great opportunity for West Midlands businesses to show their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their staff, and help to boost productivity across the region.” 

Businesses can work towards three levels of the Thrive at Work Commitment – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Businesses who show exemplary practice will be eligible for a Wellbeing Award. 

Organisations wishing to take part must sign a declaration committing their business to implement Thrive at Work. Researchers will need access to the business, and to interview employees, and businesses will be asked to feedback on how the commitment is working, its costs and effects.

For more information about Thrive at Work, and to sign up your business for the trial, visit: https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/thrive/thrive-at-work/