A recent report published by Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) has found that the sickness absence rate in Northern Ireland rose to 2.7% in 2022; the highest it has been since 2015.
Industry-wide trends show us that health and wellbeing are essential for both companies and employees to thrive.
For this recording of The Business of Possibility podcast, our host, journalist and honorary graduate, Dr Wendy Austin, sat down with guest experts Professor Catherine Ross, Chief Scientific Officer, Scottish Government and Non-Executive Director Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Greg McCann, Executive Director of FinTrU North West and Shirley Barrett, Head of Department of Global Business and Enterprise at Ulster University Business School, to discuss the latest trends and best practices shaping the way companies are approaching employee health and wellbeing.
During this in-depth discussion, the panel examined core topics relating to health and wellbeing in the workplace and how companies can adapt to and support the changing needs and priorities of the workforce, from updating absence policies and involving employees in the creation of a supportive company culture, to upskilling for managers on how to support employee’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Professor Malachy O Neill, acting Director of Development and Alumni Relations Office
“It is hugely beneficial to us in Alumni Engagement to run this event in partnership with the Business School. We have organised several joint events and it is always a great way to engage our alumni and business communities. We are grateful to our graduate community who give back so much to the University in so many ways – and Greg and Catherine both exemplify this.”
It was a pleasure to welcome back so many of our graduates to the university, together with leaders from the business community, to join in this vibrant discussion a topic that is prevalent industry and sector-wide. Health and wellbeing in the workplace is a clear priority for both businesses and employees, and we are delighted to be able to offer a platform to enable our alumni and businesses to contribute to the conversation.
Event photos
