Amey employees go to work with a smile: Well-being program focuses on emotional as well as physical health

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to observe how the well-being program at public-service infrastructure provider Amey is doing much more than reducing sickness absence; it is helping employees to be happier and more resilient.

Design/methodology/approach

It examines the reasons for the well-being program, the form it takes and the results it has achieved.

Findings

It reveals that in a recent Kingston University survey, 81 per cent of Amey people reported that they were frequently engaged at work. Sickness absence has dropped from 9.5 days a year to 7.5 days, creating a significant financial saving.

Practical implications

It argues that Amey’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and development has helped it to establish a reputation as an employer of choice, which in turn helps it to continue to attract and retain talent.

Social implications

It explains how a particular focus has been on encouraging male employees to reveal and work on their emotional problems.

Originality/value

It demonstrates how the well-being program has facilitated the process of organizational change at Amey.

Citation

(2014), "Amey employees go to work with a smile: Well-being program focuses on emotional as well as physical health", Strategic Direction, Vol. 30 No. 11, pp. 43-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-10-2014-0147