Chatha Hygiene is an established family business in Rochester. The business may be small – 6 people altogether – but they have plenty of energy and initiative; they’re currently working towards their Platinum Award with the Kent and Medway Healthy Workplaces Programme.
Reflecting on why a small businesses should consider taking part in a workplace health initiative, Fiona Colbourne, Office Manager said
‘Don’t be worried that it is a commitment and something else you don’t have time for. It doesn’t feel like a commitment, you agree achievable goals with your adviser, you don’t have to walk 5 miles every night! It’s easy to fit in with what you’ve got going on.’
Fiona’s team spent most of their time out on the road. The Healthy Workplaces Programme has been a great opportunity to develop as a team and do something together ‘I can’t think of a downside to it, we’ve really enjoyed it’, said Fiona.
Advisers work with businesses to develop a personalised wellness programme that covers topics like smoking, mental health, and being more active. At the end of the programme businesses receive an officially recognised workplace health award. Workplace health programmes have been shown to increase productivity, reduce absences, improve staff retention and save businesses money.
Being able to pick up the phone and ask for advice has been another bonus of taking part in the programme. Fiona comments, ‘When Covid hit the team sent us guidance and posters to help keep our staff safe. They’ve been excellent with support and encouragement, when one of our team had a serious motorbike accident and the advice we were given and signposting we received helped us manage his transition back to work.’
Chatha Hygiene have benefitted from staff blood pressure checks, posters and resources for the workplace as well as access to subsidised and free training courses.
The Healthy Workplaces Programme is free to join to all business in Kent and Medway, regardless of size. Visit medway.gov.uk/healthyworkplace to find out more or email workplacehealth@medway.gov.uk and the team will get in touch to talk you through it.