The event, part of the WorkWell Insights programme, brought employers together to explore how better support for staff can improve wellbeing, reduce sickness absence and help people stay in work.

Businesses heard from expert speakers including Dr Helen Scott from the University of Worcester, Paul Stuart-Thompson from Mind, and Mark Bilau from Public Health. They shared insights into effective management behaviours that help create cultures of care, inclusion and resilience in the workplace.

The event also offered practical advice to help leaders recognise early signs of poor wellbeing, respond with confidence, and create environments where employees can thrive.

WorkWell is a joint programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), delivered locally through the NHS. It provides early, personalised support for people with health conditions or disabilities who are struggling at work or are at risk of falling out of employment.

Through one-to-one coaching, WorkWell helps people understand their health, access the right support, and make practical changes so they can stay in work, return to work sooner, and feel more confident managing work alongside their health.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, which runs WorkWell across the two counties, is working with local employers to raise awareness of the programme so employees can access support when they need it.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Cllr Graham Biggs, said:

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of employees is vital for a strong local economy. These events help businesses understand how small changes can make a big difference to their staff, while also helping organisations retain skilled employees and build more resilient workplaces.”

Judy Gibbs, Joint Programme Director at WorkWell, said:

“It was fantastic to be able to bring together over 80 local businesses to support them with keeping their workforce happy, healthy and supported. We are delivering WorkWell Insights, and wider programmes like Inclusive Worcestershire Leaders, to ensure businesses have access to expert advice and guidance to best support their workforce, which in turn reduces absenteeism, improves employee wellbeing and boosts business productivity.

“We will be running more events as part of WorkWell Insights, and I encourage any businesses from Herefordshire & Worcestershire to get involved.”

WorkWell Insights is delivered through a partnership between Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire Growth Hub, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, Worcestershire Growth Hub and Worcestershire County Council.

Growth Hubs are nationally supported business support organisations designed to help businesses of all sizes and sectors access advice, support and funding to achieve their growth ambitions.

For more information on WorkWell in Herefordshire, contact the Herefordshire Growth Hub: Email: business@herefordshire.gov.uk. Phone: 01432 383343.