East Riding Council launches workplace wellbeing support for local employers 

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is inviting businesses to strengthen workforce health through its Working Well programme, a scheme designed to help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces while improving productivity and retention. 

The initiative connects local organisations with health and wellbeing services, resources and expert support to help them develop long-term workplace wellbeing strategies. It will help business them access local and national health services, share good practice with other employers and build tailored wellbeing activity plans. 

Through the scheme, businesses receive direct support from the council to develop initiatives that improve workforce wellbeing. The programme also encourages organisations to adopt flexible and innovative ways of working that better support employee health. 

Participating employers will gain access to a network of local businesses committed to improving workplace wellbeing. The network provides opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas and collaborate on practical solutions to common workforce health challenges. Employers will also be able to access campaign materials, information resources and guidance on promoting health initiatives within their organisations. Additional support includes seminars, webinars and training focused on workplace health and wellbeing. 

Another feature of the programme is the introduction of workplace health and wellbeing champions. These are employees within participating organisations who help promote wellbeing initiatives, signpost colleagues to relevant support services and encourage participation in health activities. 

Champions will also be invited to attend regional wellbeing network events, allowing organisations to collaborate with other local employers and share insights on building healthier workplaces. 

The council says employers have a “pivotal role” in shaping healthy and inclusive working environments and have also become an increasingly important setting for health promotion, particularly as employers navigate ongoing challenges around stress, mental health and financial pressure. 

Alongside the Working Well programme, businesses in East Riding can now offer staff free NHS health checks through a new partnership scheme with the council. 

The health checks are available for employees aged 40 to 74 and aim to identify early signs of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. 

Offering the checks in the workplace is designed to make preventive health services more accessible, increasing participation while supporting early diagnosis and treatment. 

For employers, the council says this approach can lead to tangible business benefits. Improving access to health screening may reduce sickness absence and support a healthier, more productive workforce. 

The council is encouraging businesses across the region to sign up to the programme and work with its health at work team to develop tailored wellbeing plans that meet the needs of their employees. 

For businesses across the region, initiatives such as Working Well demonstrate how local authorities can play a practical role in helping employers create healthier working environments and support the wellbeing of their people.