CSP contributes to NICE quality standard on healthy workplaces

^{The quality standard says employess need managers who support their health and wellbeing}

The society contributed to the creation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standard, Healthy workplaces: improving employee mental and physical health and wellbeing, published on 3 March.

The document contains four standards that set out priorities for improving high-quality care of employees. It does not cover long-term sickness absence.

It states that employees should

• work in organisations that have a named senior manager who makes employee health and wellbeing a core priority
• have managers who support their health and wellbeing
• be managed by people who are trained to recognise and support them when they are experiencing stress
• have the opportunity to contribute to decision-making through staff engagement forums

Jenny Nissler, CSP professional adviser, said: ‘The standard gives clear definitions and advice for leaders and line managers, encouraging employee involvement and cross-referencing other supporting NICE standards and guidelines for further information.

‘Taking a preventative approach, NICE anticipates that the recommendations will contribute to employee wellbeing and satisfaction and have a positive effect on sickness absence rates.’