More than 160 employers, training providers and public sector representatives attended the inaugural Keeping Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working Conference on Wednesday 8 July, highlighting the growing importance of workplace health and wellbeing across the region.
The conference formed part of the NHS-led WorkWell programme, which helps people with health conditions stay in or return to work through personalised support. The conference brought together local and national experts to explore the Keep Britain Working agenda and share practical strategies that organisations can adopt to support healthier, more productive workplaces.
Attendees heard how investing in workforce health can help businesses attract and retain talent, reduce absence and create more resilient teams.
The UK labour market is rapidly changing, with more than a fifth of working-age adults now out of work due to long-term health conditions. Employers are experiencing shrinking talent pools, skills shortages and increased pressure on existing teams. Findings from the Keep Britain Working review highlighted the significant economic and business costs associated with sickness absence and economic inactivity, reinforcing the need for stronger pathways between health, skills and employment support to help people stay in work, return to work and progress in their careers.
Therefore for employers, workforce health has become a critical business priority to keep their employees happy, healthy and motivated.
The event featured speakers from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Department of Health and Social Care (DSHC), NHS Integrated Care Board, and a range of local experts such as Genius Within, Marches HR, Mind, Optima, Worcester Physiotherapists and Limelite HR. Their insights provided attendees with practical tools and real-world examples of how businesses can better support their workforce via sessions on neurodiversity, Musculoskeletal health and more.
The conference was delivered by NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire in partnership with Herefordshire Growth Hub, Worcestershire Growth Hub and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
David Mehaffey, Executive Director: Strategy, Digital, Public Health Management and Partnerships at the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB, said: “It was great to see so many people coming together to discuss the important relationship between work and health. The evidence shows us of the benefits that good work can have on people’s health outcomes and the benefit that good health can have on organisation efficiency, productivity and impact. It is therefore vital that we make the most of this symbiotic relationship to deliver a win-win all-round. ”
Judy Gibbs, Head of Service for Skills & Employability at Worcestershire County Council and Director of Skills for the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to deliver our first ever Keeping Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working Conference. For Employers across the two counties, workforce health is a major opportunity. We can see from the data at a local or national level that there is a growing number of people out of work, and via events like this and schemes like WorkWell, we are supporting employers to buck that trend and keep their staff happy, healthy and in work.
I would encourage any employers to contact their Growth Hub and make sure you are utilising this support to keep your workforce working.”
The conference was delivered linking into the WorkWell programme. WorkWell is a joint programme from the DWP and the 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. Last year WorkWell received over 1000 referrals and supported 922 participants through the programme, following those who successfully completed the programme, nearly 70% were in some form of work, either remaining in work, returning to work after absence or starting a new job.
For employers, WorkWell offers an opportunity to access support for staff who may be experiencing difficulties, helping them remain in work and thrive. By addressing issues early, organisations can avoid situations getting worse and will benefit from improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and higher employee engagement and morale.
Future events within the WorkWell programme are planned for later in 2026 to continue supporting local employers to take advantage of the growing range of health and wellbeing support available.
To find out more about WorkWell, and future health and wellbeing support events for employers, please contact your relevant Growth Hub on the details below.
- info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk
- 01905 677888