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The States are working on policies which could offer greater support to working people needing occupational health services.
To work out what is needed, employers are invited to complete a survey.
The survey HERE is intended to help 'inform potential policy developments aimed at providing greater support to people in work, to those returning to work, and improving access to occupational health services' said a States spokesperson.
The Supporting Occupational Health and Wellbeing (SOHWELL) programme is a Government Workplan initiative aimed at offering early intervention and support to people who have an illness, injury or disability. It's intended to help those people stay in work or get back to work more quickly which in turn helps to maximise the islands workforce.
It is a well-established principle that, in many cases, it is better for a person’s long-term health to be in work, which is why the programme has States support.
Active and preventative occupational health measures are seen as an important tool in preventing common health issues from becoming long-term and so employers are encouraged to support employees managing health conditions within the workplace.
Employers are also offered support with things like arranging return-to-work plans and making reasonable adjustments to the workplace.
In addition to the SOHWELL programme, when people submit a medical certificate to social security, case managers are now offering support to individuals and employers to help people stay in work or return to work more quickly.
Ed Ashton, Director of Operations, said the survey closes mid January and all responses will then be used to guide future policies.
"We know that there is a positive correlation between health and wellbeing in work and employers will be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy and sustainable workforce. In order to develop effective policies through the SOHWELL programme, I strongly encourage all employers to complete the survey."
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