16 | Aycliffe Today Business
BUILDING HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER
WORKFORCES
In 2015, a host of South Durham companies made the commitment to build happier
and healthier workforces with the support of the Local Motion workplace team.
Key companies such as Prefere Resins,
Sabre Rail, North East Laboratory Services,
Evans Business Centre and Smurfit Kappa
all signed up to the Local Motion workplace
package, making the pledge to support their
staff and encourage healthier choices when
traveling to and from work.
A fully funded initiative available to
organisations in South Durham, the Local
Motion workplace package supports
businesses in the development of a
workplace travel plan. Engaging employees
via travel surveys and free incentives, a
bespoke programme of activities and events
encourages staff to get active and adopt
sustainable travel modes.
Implementing a workplace travel plan can
have significant benefits to both employee
and business. For staff it encourages building
healthy exercise into daily life whilst reducing
the cost and time spent on journeys. In
some cases, it even removes the need to
own a car. It provides less stressful options
for travel to work, and when implemented
alongside initiatives to provide flexible
working and less need to travel on business,
can foster a better work-life balance.
For businesses, a workplace travel plan
supports the overall health of a workforce
whilst improving staff engagement and
retention. It can save money through
associated travel costs and increase
efficiency through smarter working practices.
Promoting sustainable alternatives through
a bespoke travel plan; a business will also
demonstrate corporate social responsibility
through tangible benefits to the local
community, the environment and the
economy as a whole.
Local Motion at Sabre Rail
Due to the geographical location and noted
preference by staff, the Sabre Rail travel plan
identified cycling as a key mode of transport
to promote and establish among staff. The
Local Motion workplace team or