Good Health and Wellbeing
Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. For SMEs, this is about safe workplaces, supporting mental health, reducing sickness absence, and creating healthier communities through everyday business choices.
A practical example, local and measurable
A York-based manufacturing SME saw sickness absence creeping up and staff reporting high stress during peak periods. They introduced a simple wellbeing programme, improved shift planning, added mental health first aider training, and tightened safety checks. Within three months, absence reduced and staff retention improved.
- Monthly wellbeing check-ins and clear signposting
- Better shift rotas to reduce fatigue
- Safety refreshers and near-miss reporting
- Lower sickness absence and overtime costs
- Improved retention and morale
- Stronger employer reputation locally
They added “employee wellbeing”, “safe workplace”, and “mental health support” to their SDG:Zero listing and posts. This helped them show up for local searches related to ethical employers, recruitment, and community-focused businesses in York.
Quick explainer video
Hear how SDG 3 affects local SMEs, and how small, practical wellbeing and safety actions can strengthen local communities.
Practical actions for SMEs
Refresh risk assessments, encourage near-miss reporting, and keep training up to date.
Clear signposting, manager training, and a culture where people can speak up early.
Better workload planning, realistic deadlines, and flexible working where possible.
Hydration, breaks, movement, and practical wellbeing nudges that are easy to maintain.
Partner with local charities, sponsor community events, or provide space for local groups.
Listing copy examples you can use
We support staff wellbeing through clear check-ins, realistic workloads, and practical support where needed.
We maintain a safe workplace through regular training, risk reviews, and a culture of reporting and improvement.
We support local wellbeing through partnerships and community activities that help people stay healthy and connected.
Simple metrics to track
Days lost, reasons, and improvements after changes are introduced.
Turnover rate and exit feedback trends linked to wellbeing and workload.
Near-miss reports, training completion, and incidents over time.
Turn health and wellbeing into a local advantage
Local customers and talent notice businesses that treat people well. Showing safety standards, wellbeing actions, and community support helps your listing stand out and improves conversion from local searches.
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