Benefits of the Healthy Working Lives

Homeless people, ex-offenders, the over 50s, disabled people, lone parents and those from disadvantaged areas are often the last people to be considered for employment. As a result, they remain excluded from the workforce, the community and society. When people return to work from unemployment their health improves. Returning to work from unemployment improves health by as much as unemployment damages it. According to 1998 and 2006 Bain & Company research, 44% of consumers want businesses to support individuals at a distance from the labour market, and 73% of those thought business should do this via placements and employment training. So what are the benefits and business case for engaging and employing excluded groups?

What are the potential benefits to your business of getting more involved with employability?

• Increased professional development and training opportunities for your staff. For Example becoming more involved could provide opportunities for your staff to develop their skills in:
• Interviewing and mentoring
• Presentation and Communication
• Team Working and Project Management.
• Widening your recruitment pool of potential employees
• It is an opportunity to create a more diverse workforce and there can be potential cost savings from reduced staff turnover and improved attendance.
• By working with an employability agency you are influencing the employability agenda to ensure potential employees are better ready for work in your organisation
• Strengthening your diversity and equal opportunities practice
• Increasing your CSR profile and agenda
• Boosting staff morale
• Engaging more actively with your local community