Making health a priority in the North East
Date published:
Today is World Health Day – a moment to reflect on how we can create healthier communities, workplaces and economies. For businesses across the North East, it’s a timely reminder of the vital role that employee wellbeing plays in long-term success.
The last few years have reshaped the world of work. Employers have had to become more agile and more aware of the challenges their teams face – whether that’s mental health pressures, long-term physical conditions, or the demands of balancing work and life.
In our region, where small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the economy, investing in staff health can make a powerful difference. A healthy workforce is more resilient, more motivated, and better able to drive innovation and growth.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are simple steps every business can take:
- Flexible working arrangements that support better work-life balance
- Access to mental health resources and training for managers
- Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and regular breaks
- Creating a culture where it’s safe to speak up about health challenges
These aren’t just “nice to haves” – they are smart business decisions. By supporting wellbeing, employers reduce absenteeism, improve retention, and create more positive, high-performing workplaces.
World Health Day is a chance to take stock: what’s working, what could be improved, and how we might better support the people who keep our businesses going.
As the region’s largest business membership organisation, the North East Chamber of Commerce encourages every employer – big or small – to keep wellbeing on the agenda. A healthier region starts with healthier workplaces, and together we can help make that a reality.