FSB launches campaign to 'address health and wellbeing' of UK small businesses

20 Sep 2017

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a new campaign which aims to ‘promote the benefits of a positive approach to wellbeing’ amongst small businesses in the UK.

The business group has launched the campaign in the wake of a ‘rise in the number of cases of health and mental health problems’ across the UK’s workforce.

Currently, the UK’s annual bill for sickness absence stands at £29 billion, the FSB found.

In addition, research carried out by the FSB’s medical and health advice service revealed that the number of small businesses seeking mental health advice has doubled over the last five years.

In conjunction with Public Health England and the mental health charity, Mind, the FSB has published a guide to wellbeing for small businesses. The guide aims to supply small business owners with strategies for managing stress in the workplace and dealing with loneliness. It also provides advice on how to initiate conversations about mental health and wellbeing.  

Commenting on the issue, Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the FSB, stated: ‘Owning and running a business can be hugely rewarding. However, it brings with it demands, responsibilities and risks that can bring personal pressures that can impact a person’s health and wellbeing.

‘Small business owners can play a vital role in improving the lives of their employees through a variety of actions – from innovative and new ideas to simple steps such as encouraging more activity and regular breaks.’