Bupa has demonstrated its commitment to creating more Inclusive workplaces by hosting its second annual #TeamHealthChallenge, bringing together over 250 corporate customers and intermediary partners, creating practical progress in driving forward workplace inclusion.
This follows new research conducted by disability equality charity Scope, which showed almost seven in 10 (68%) of disabled people who weren’t well supported at work experienced poor mental health due to this. Many disabled employees feel their managers aren’t given the knowledge to support them effectively, with accessibility barriers hampering career growth (44%) or impacting work performance (55%).
The event forms part of Bupa’s broader commitment to drive greater inclusion in the workplace and in society as part of its role as the Official Healthcare Partner for ParalympicsGB. Through a series of interactive and competitive events, the day was designed to grow awareness and equip managers with the tools to take an active role in supporting disabled employees to reach their potential in the workplace.
Managers also pointed to a lack of practical resources. Only one in three (33%) line managers have been provided comprehensive resources to manage disabled employees, and 25% have never received training to support disabled colleagues.
Bupa’s #TeamHealthChallenge workplace inclusion event
The one-day event, held at the iconic London Stadium, welcomed four decorated Para-athletes who led participants in physical, social, sensory and creative challenges throughout the day, such as wheelchair rugby and building a prosthetic hand, Paralympians included rower Lauren Rowels, wheelchair rugby player Aaron Phipps, table tennis player Ashley Facey and long jumper Livvy Breen.
Paralympian Livvy Breen, who specialises in the T38 100m and Long Jump, said: “Managers play a big role in boosting employee engagement and creating great workplaces. I’m really happy that Bupa is raising awareness and helping businesses and line managers understand the challenges that disabled people may face at work. It’s important to have open conversations so that these challenges don’t hold anyone back from reaching their career goals.”
Richard Norris, General Manager for Business Specialist Products at Bupa UK, said: “It’s great to see this event going from strength to strength, where through our partnership with ParalympicsGB, we are putting our learnings into practical action and helping more organisations to make meaningful change in their inclusion agendas. Our research shows the importance of businesses equipping their people managers with the tools and resources to support all colleagues and build confidence so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their careers. It’s also better for businesses, as by recognising the value that every person brings, organisations can benefit from workforce attraction, retention, productivity, and growth.
“As Official Healthcare Partner for ParalympicsGB, we are proud to share our learnings, demonstrating through events like the #TeamHealthChallenge how businesses can create supportive and inclusive workplaces that promote physical and mental wellbeing, which supports our goal of becoming the most trusted health and wellbeing partner.”
Dave Clarke OBE, Chief Executive at the BPA, welcomed participants to the event and said: “Bupa’s event was not just about discussion but about tangible action and offering a roadmap for how other organisations can make meaningful change.
“It was great that more businesses have engaged this year, and the Paralympians brought their competitive spirit and shared real-life experiences to inspire participants to take concrete steps towards greater inclusion in their workplace. I hope everyone is left with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to take practical action and make a lasting impact in their organisations.”
Paralympian Livvy Breen added: “Managers play a big role in boosting employee engagement and creating great workplaces. I’m really happy that Bupa is raising awareness and helping businesses and line managers understand the challenges that disabled people may face at work. It’s important to have open conversations so that these challenges don’t hold anyone back from reaching their career goals.”
To help participants take forward practical learnings that will benefit workplace culture as well as drive productivity, retention and attraction, Bupa has created new manager resources available at bupa.co.uk.