Bradford & Bingley
Originally a building society, Bradford & Bingley is a FTSE100 bank. With 206 branches across the UK, it employs over 3,200 people with nearly half based in the Bingley head office and branches in West Yorkshire.
“…A 1% increase in productivity at no cost.”
Why did we address workplace health?
We recognise that a physically and mentally healthy workforce is a more content, motivated and productive one. Over time, the following factors have been identified as issues at Bradford & Bingley that are contrary to the success and effectiveness of the business:
- Work stress
- Health and safety issues at work
- Personal mental health problems
- Poor physical health
- Long term sickness
What did we do?
After recognising these adverse effects we created a cultures and values programme including the following health initiatives:
- The development of a stress management programme for all staff
- A counselling service for staff to discuss work and personal matters
- An occupational therapist advice service for staff
- Regular smoking cessation sessions by external consultants
- A driving safety initiative
- Staff discounts on bicycle purchases
- Massage sessions for all staff at head office
- Corporate discounts at local gyms for all staff
- Changed menus at staff restaurants to reflect a healthy eating policy
- Blood pressure testing sessions for staff at head office
- New processes to manage long term sickness absence
What was the impact?
Staff turnover is down from 30.1% in 2005 to 23.3% in 2006.
- The staff survey result for recommending Bradford & Bingley as a place to work has increased from 45% in 2005 to 72% in 2006
- Two thirds of those who attended the smoking cessation coarse and had their progress monitored have quit smoking
- An increased number of staff have taken part in the pilates sessions and have purchased bicycles through the company scheme
- Bradford & Bingley's stress absence rate is down 80%, which is estimated to have saved £250k in lost wages alone. There has also been about a 1% increase in productivity at no cost
