Employee health and wellbeing

If you’re fit, healthy and happy, it stands to reason that you’re more likely to be productive at work. But the idea that employers have a role – perhaps even a duty – in this respect is a relatively new concept.

We firmly believe that it is as much in the Company’s interest as it is in the individual’s that each employee is fit and healthy

Beginning with our operations in the UK, we have provided health services for employees for several decades, starting at a time when it was considered a discretionary benefit, and was largely reactive in its approach. Over the years, we have expanded these services throughout the Company and become more proactive in supporting our employees’ health and wellbeing. We firmly believe that it is as much in the Company’s interest as it is in the individual’s that each employee is fit and healthy.

Our approach
Today, Tate & Lyle promotes good health to try to prevent illness and injury, and places an emphasis on rehabilitation to help people get back to work as quickly as possible after being off sick. A key part of our Employee Wellbeing Policy is to encourage employees to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. We actively monitor how our services are used so that we can target developments to meet the needs of employees.

Our performance
These efforts to help employees stay in work and to raise awareness of key health issues have led to a substantial reduction in long-term absence of 64%, and in retirements due to ill-health of 75%, since 2000.
Our UK occupational health programme is well known, and respected amongst peers and by experts in the field. We are proud that, over the years, the quality and benefits of our programme have been recognised by various industry awards.

Careers

At Tate & Lyle we believe recruiting, developing and retaining the right people is key to success. Find out about careers with us.

DO talk about Fit Club… Healthy lifestyles in Decatur

“It is about walking the talk on healthy lifestyles,” says Chris Olsen, Director, Community and Government Affairs, Americas, describing the community fitness programme our Decatur employees take part in. He means it literally – he too has joined the Fit Club programme. “My wife encouraged me to get involved.”

In August 2009, Tate & Lyle teamed up with the Decatur Memorial Hospital to sponsor the Fit Club project co-ordinated by local Decatur radio station WSOY. Our team of eight volunteers has shed more than 70lbs in weight – though this is a side benefit, says Chris: “It is not just weight loss that matters, it is a healthy lifestyle, with exercise and the right diet. It brings benefits in attitude and focus.”

Chris believes health programmes are vital for Tate & Lyle. “One of our areas of interest is health and nutrition – and we need to be actively involved in the communities where we work.”