NHS revamps staff benefits to include yoga and Zumba to cut sick leave

NHS staff will now have the option of seeing a physio, counselling, yoga, and Zumba classes in an effort to increase employee wellbeing and cut down on sick days.

The average NHS staff member takes an average of 14.82 sick days a year, more than three times the UK average. In monetary terms, it equates to £2.4billion a year; 2.5% of their budget, or £1 in every £40.

Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England, will speak at the NHS Innovation Expo today. He will say that it is up to the NHS to provide their staff with nutritious food, advocate exercise, and reduce stress levels.

Stevens will say: “NHS staff have some of the most critical but demanding jobs in the country. When it comes to supporting the health of our own workforce, frankly the NHS needs to put its own house in order.