Recent figures have revealed that 120,000 people are currently classified as ‘long-term sick’ in Northern Ireland.[i]
The figure from the latest Northern Ireland Labour Market Report, published in March 2025, marks an increase of 4,000 people (3.2%) in just one year and a rise of 17,000 since pre-pandemic levels in 2020.
One key contributor to rise in long term absence may be work-related stress, which along with anxiety and depression, were to blame for half of all work-related ill health in 2023, according to the HSE’s Labour Force Survey. Their research found employees affected by these conditions took an average of 19.6 days off work, placing increasing pressure on businesses and the economy.[ii]
How Work Well Live Well Can Help
One way employers can take action to support their staff through its free ‘Work Well Live Well’ programme. The programme which is delivered by NICHS and funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) aims to help workplaces improve their employees' health and wellbeing through personalised support. The programme supports organisations to develop a bespoke 3-year action plan and strategy for their workplace as well as providing access to training, webinars, resources and networking opportunities, all completely free of charge.
Success Story - Hare's Corner Co-operative
One local business which has availed of the free support to prioritise the health of their staff is Hare’s Corner Cooperative, based in Garvagh. A number of Hare’s Corner Cooperative members have completed training to become ‘Health Champions’, gaining skills to create and implement a three year health and wellbeing action plan. The organisation has also so far benefitted from free Neurodiversity training, Mental Health First Aid training, and a free health ‘Well Talk’ for staff on Stress Management.
Kelly Pinkerton, Vice Secretary at Hare’s Corner Cooperative, says, “One of the biggest benefits has been the shift in how openly our members talk about health and well-being. We’ve even noticed fewer absences from meetings and events, even when members are facing personal challenges. We think this is down to creating a more supportive and understanding environment where people feel valued and looked after.”
“As part of our Action Plan, we have begun weekly drop-in and chat sessions which have offered a welcoming space for open conversations, fostering stronger connections among our team. We’ve organised wellness challenges to encourage physical activity and engagement, such as the Photograph Your Path initiative, which invited members to capture and share moments from their walks. Looking ahead, we are planning an event in recognition of Nutrition and Hydration Week, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Kelly adds,” These initiatives have not only supported individual well-being but have also strengthened our culture, making it a more supportive, inclusive, and engaging place to work and volunteer. On a practical level, we’re aiming for real improvements in physical and mental health across our membership. Whether it’s reducing stress, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, or simply making sure people feel connected, we want our members to thrive, both within the cooperative and in their daily lives.”
To other businesses considering signing up, Kelly says, “I’d say go for it. This programme gives you practical resources and support that can make a real difference to your team’s well-being. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a healthier, happier, and more connected workplace or volunteer group.”
“At the end of the day, investing in well-being isn’t just good for individuals, it strengthens your whole team and the work you do together. I’d highly recommend giving it a try and seeing the benefits for yourself. “
What Our Team Say
Emma McCrudden, Work Well Live Well Programme Manager at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke says; “These statistics are startling. Individuals may need to take sick leave for a wide variety of reasons, and in some cases it is unavoidable. However, the workplace can have a huge impact on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and we want employers to know that there are steps they can take to help. The free Work Well Live Well programme which we deliver, funded by the PHA, helps workplaces gain training and skills, and get access to personalised support and guidance from our team, so they can take practical steps to support the health and wellbeing of their workforce. As a charity, creating healthier workplaces also helps us reach towards our wider goals of promoting healthier families and communities across Northern Ireland.”
“Hare’s Corner Cooperative is a great example of a workplace which wanted to make a positive change and put staff health first. The initiatives put in place by the staff so far have been a great success and have made a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the team.”
“We are now recruiting new workplaces in the Southern, South Eastern and Northern Trusts to take part in the programme and would encourage organisations of all types and sizes to get in touch to find out how Work Well Live Well can help them.”
For more information and to register for Work Well Live Well, visit nichs.org.uk/workwelllivewell
[i] Northern Ireland Labour Market Report, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency -
https://datavis.nisra.gov.uk/economy-and-labour-market/labour-market-report-march-2025.html
[ii] HSE Labour Force Survey - LFS - Labour Force Survey - Self-reported work-related ill health and workplace injuries: Index of LFS tables
