Reducing the Risk | Physical Health | Nutrition and Obesity

Obesity is an increasingly common problem in Northern Ireland. It is estimated to affect around one in every four adults and around one in every five children aged two to 15 years. Busy lives, bad nutrition and a lack of exercise all contribute to Northern Ireland’s obesity epidemic.

In this session, we’ll explore how employers can help by taking some simple actions to help their people become more aware of nutrition and take responsibility for their physical health

Reducing the Risk | Mental Health | Stress and Resilience

Mental ill-health affects one in five people in Northern Ireland – that means that 20% of employees in the average organisation will experience mental ill-health at some stage. Mental ill-health often goes unmentioned because people are afraid of saying the wrong thing. Cited as one of the leading causes of absence from work, this issue is not something that employers can ignore.

This session will explore how stress affects people, what employers can do, and it will give top tips on how individuals can develop resilience.

A Focus on Men’s Health | Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a major public health issue that devastates families and communities. Almost every day in Northern Ireland a person takes their own life. 156 (76%) of the 203 total suicide deaths in 2022 were males and the percentage of suicides in 2022 from Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas (31%) was over three times that of the least deprived areas (9%). Business has a role to play in helping their existing employees and finding ways to help those most in need.

In this session, we’ll share an understanding of why male suicide in Northern Ireland is worryingly high, and the practical steps employers can take to be aware of behaviours and language from employees are risk. We’ll also hear a first-hand story from someone who has battled with contemplating suicide.

A focus on Domestic Abuse | An Employer’s Guide

According to the PSNI, in the 12 months from October 2022 to September 2023, there were 33,229 domestic abuse incidents in Northern

Ireland, an increase of 126 (0.4 per cent) on the previous 12 months. Domestic abuse takes many forms – physical, emotional, psychological and financial. The Equality and Human Rights Commission states that 75% of victim-survivors of domestic abuse are targeted at work. Victims and abusers make up members of the workforce and this can be a complex issue for business.

This session will take participants on a journey of discovery to challenge their perceptions and thoughts around domestic abuse, help delegates understand the complexities surrounding domestic abuse, and importantly share what employers can do to support their people.

Before the conference takes place in June, you might like to listen to some of our latest podcasts that focus on employee engagement. All of the links below take you to Apple Podcasts, however, you can listen on whatever streaming service you prefer to use.

AGE: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: HAYS and GOOGLE – Is age just a number in the workplace? on Apple Podcasts

WORKPLACE INCLUSION: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: DANSKE BANK and GOOGLE: Workplace inclusion – why every voice must be heard on Apple Podcasts

HUMAN-CENTRED WORKPLACES: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: ULSTER UNIVERSITY and VOICING VOICES: Creating human-centred workplaces on Apple Podcasts

CHAMPIONING PEOPLE: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: VERIZON BUSINESS AND BAYER: When our people win, everyone wins on Apple Podcasts

MEN IN CRISIS: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: CARL FRAMPTON MBE: Men in Crisis (recorded at a live event) on Apple Podcasts

DOMESTIC ABUSE: The Lens – UK Responsible Business Podcast: WORLDLINE: Creating a balanced future for everyone #young people #domestic abuse on Apple Podcasts