Support for employers and workers
Public Health Scotland (PHS) can support you in building a healthier workplace for your workers.
The PHS Healthy Working Lives website has guidance on how to support workers returning to or staying in employment. It contains lots of advice for both employers and workers, including:
- supporting workers through sick leave or absences
- developing a mental health strategy
- carrying out risk management
Healthy Working Lives can also provide a referral service to Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS). WHSS provide free, confidential advice and support for:
- self-employed workers
- workers in companies with less than 250 employees
Find out more about WHSS on the Healthy Working Lives website.
Managing protected characteristics
The Scottish Government encourages employers to understand the diverse skillsets people with protected characteristics can bring to the workforce.
Find out about preventing discrimination in recruitment on GOV.UK.
The Health at Work Centre can help you build confidence in effectively managing and supporting development in your place of work.
Find out more about managing diverse skillsets through the Health at Work Centre.
Resources for employers
Find out more about employability services delivered across Scotland through Employability in Scotland.
ACAS enforces employment law by providing free impartial guidance on best practices, rules and policies. Find out about the free ACAS employer helpline.
Access to Work can offer your workers financial support if they have a disability or health condition. Find out about applying on GOV.UK.
Access a wealth of resources and information on managing mental health in the workplace through Healthy Working Lives.
How do we ensure that our staff have good physical and mental health to keep them in work, motivated and productive?
Employer response
At West Lothian Leisure, our greatest strength is our people and protecting their physical and mental wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting our employees’ health keeps them motivated, resilient, and performing at their best.
We’ve created an online Wellbeing Hub that provides our team with resources, guidance, and links to local organisations offering help and support. Soon, our Wellbeing Champions will add an extra layer of care - trained colleagues dedicated to listening, supporting others, and signposting to the right help. Through ASIST (suicide first aid) training, our staff are also learning how to recognise and respond to someone in crisis with compassion.
We also recognise the strong connection between physical activity and mental health. All contracted staff receive free gym membership (worth over £500 annually), and can benefit from heavily discounted memberships for up to three additional family members. This encourages staff and their families to stay active together and embed wellbeing into everyday life.
Through these initiatives, we’re creating a culture where our people feel supported, valued, and empowered to look after themselves and one another.