Good work and health: resources for employers

Simple steps such as flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to wellbeing support can help employees stay in work, feel valued and remain productive.

Supportive workplaces can also benefit from lower sickness absence, improved morale and better staff retention.

Use this page to access practical guidance, tools and resources to support employee health and wellbeing and create inclusive, supportive workplaces.

Case studies

Reasonable Adjustments Guide

Employers have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and job applicants. This means making practical changes to reduce barriers at work, such as adapting working hours, equipment, duties or ways of working. Adjustments should be considered positively and on a case-by-case basis, helping people to work safely, confidently and effectively.

Our Reasonable Adjustments Guide gives practical examples of simple adjustments that can support employees with different health needs. It also includes an accessibility checklist to help employers create a more inclusive and accessible workplace.

Access to Work grants

If a job applicant or employee needs equipment, travel support, a support worker or other practical help to attend interviews or carry out their role because of a health condition or disability, they may be able to apply for an Access to Work grant.

The employee or applicant applies for the grant directly, rather than the employer.

Support for creating a healthy workplace

Good Work Norfolk brings together employment, health and business support to help people access, stay in and progress at work. Through programmes such as Connect to Work and WorkWell, and support from local partners, it helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and supports employers to create more inclusive workplaces.

Good Health @Work supports Suffolk employers to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace. Its navigators provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of workplace health, helping businesses create healthier, more supportive working environments.

Shaw Trust

Shaw Trust supports businesses to become more inclusive, accessible and effective workplaces. They offer a range of services, including recruitment and retention support, help to source diverse candidates, supported internships, accredited training, occupational health and wellbeing support, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion guidance.

They also provide consultancy and accessibility services, such as workplace audits and practical solutions to improve access for staff and customers. This can help organisations increase their social value and create supportive, progressive working environments.

Norfolk and Suffolk Mind

Norfolk and Waveney Mind provide mental health training for organisations across Norfolk and Waveney, delivered both online and in person. Their training helps employers build a healthy workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing. Courses include Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Awareness, Managing Mental Health in the Workplace, Suicide Awareness, and Supporting Children and Young People’s Mental Health.

Suffolk Mind supports employers to improve workplace wellbeing through a range of training options, from introductory courses such as The Essentials to more focused sessions on sleep, stress, trauma and mental health awareness. They also offer tailored packages, consultancy, wellbeing audits and resources, including The Mental Health Toolkit, to help organisations build long-term, emotionally healthy workplace cultures.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can help employers grow their own talent by supporting motivated people to develop the skills your business needs, while contributing to the workplace from day one. They can also help organisations address skills gaps, improve productivity and build a loyal, future-ready workforce.

Apprenticeships support in Norfolk

Apprenticeships Norfolkprovides employers with practical information on employing an apprentice, including costs, funding and how to find training providers offering apprenticeships in Norfolk. The Apprenticeship Team can also support employers through each stage of the process.

Apprenticeships support in Suffolk

Apprenticeships Suffolk offers clear, practical guidance for employers who are considering taking on an apprentice, from understanding the process to accessing tailored support. The service also offers an Employer Mentoring programme to help businesses prepare and feel confident supporting an apprentice successfully.

Useful links

• Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan – helps employers understand the skills their business may need in the future and access support to shape training, strengthen their workforce, address skills gaps and improve productivity.
• Suffolk Family Business – supports employers to offer meaningful job opportunities to care leavers, with guidance from Suffolk County Council to help make the process smooth and successful. The page includes information about apprenticeships, employment pathways and the positive impact businesses can have on a young person’s future.
• Support for care leavers aged 21-25 in Norfolk – provides employment, education and training support for care leavers through careers advice, personalised guidance and access to local opportunities.
• Disability Confident employer scheme – provides guidance for employers on becoming Disability Confident, including how to sign up and take practical steps to recruit, retain and support disabled people.
• Support with employee health and disability – helps employers manage health and disability at work, including conversations about absence, keeping in touch with employees, supporting people to stay in or return to work, and managing more complex situations.