Zumba won’t improve the health of NHS staff – changing working practices will | Andre Spicer

NHS employees suffer high levels of stress and sickness. ‘Wellness initiatives’ won’t help while so many are under-resourced and on zero-hours contracts

The NHS is supposed to improve the wellbeing of all, but many of those working for the service don’t feel well themselves. Stress is endemic. Employee absence due to illness costs £2.6bn a year – and then there are the NHS employees who turn up to work despite the fact that they are ill. The NHS would seem, ironically, to be a sick workplace.

This morning it was reported that its CEO, Simon Stevens, is to launch a far-reaching employee wellness initiative. Staff will be offered exercise classes, health checks, and programmes to help them quit smoking. They will also be nudged to cycle to work and encouraged to eat healthier food.

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