November 2025

HWW launch event sees exciting new products and impressive guest speakers

A trio of exciting new, free HWW products, all designed to improve workplace health and wellbeing, were introduced at our new free services launch event on 12 November at Capital Quarter 2 in Cardiff.

Over 70 of our employers and partner organisations were in attendance for a day that saw a variety of guest speakers (including the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing), a workshop on how organisations in Wales can better support young people in the workplace, along with exhibitor stands run by HWW, RCS, Hapus, Case UK, Mind in Powys, Business Wales and the CIPD.

The new HWW resources introduced by our team were:

• HWW Employer Survey Tool – Enables employers to assess their current approach to workplace health and wellbeing and get clear advice, feedback and suggested next steps to strengthen their workplace wellbeing strategy.

• Workplace Adviser Support -Allows employers to access one-to-one, virtual support sessions from HWW’s Workplace Advisers to get simple ideas, tools and plans that they can put into action straight away in their workplace.

• Peer Mentoring Programme – Helps employers across Wales to connect and share real-world experiences, practical knowledge and proven approaches to workplace health and wellbeing.

Oliver Williams, our Consultant Lead, said:

“Healthy Working Wales is committed to providing employers in Wales with practical, achievable actions that they can take to improve, and protect, the health and wellbeing of the Welsh workforce. These new products will give employers the knowledge and skills they need to do this, boosting both the health and productivity of their businesses.”

In her speech on the Welsh Government’s vision for workplace wellbeing, Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, stated:

“Healthy Working Wales provides employers with a valuable service, offering free, evidence-based guidance and tools to improve workplace health and well-being. This is not a ‘nice to have’—it is an economic imperative.”

Other guest speakers at the event included Professor Jim McManus, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, who spoke on the importance of creating healthy, supportive workplaces. Paul Billington from Admiral provided a success story with a real-life example of workplace health tools making a difference in Wales, while Emily Van De Venter, Consultant in Public Health, talked about recent research by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team on 16–24-year-olds’ mental health.

This was followed by a solution-focused workshop on practical ideas for how organisations in Wales can better support young people (ages 16–24) in the workplace. The day was a great success, and many worthwhile connections were made.

Oliver concluded:

“We encourage employers across Wales to take advantage of these exciting, new and free workplace health and wellbeing resources. The recent Keep Britain Working Review indicates employers lose, on average, £120 per day in profit from sickness absences, but are uniquely placed to help prevent poor health. It’s therefore the perfect time to take action and engage with Healthy Working Wales for your workplace wellbeing needs.”

To coincide with the event, a press release on the new product launch was also issued by Public Health Wales. Many thanks to those of you who were able to attend. Additional information on our programme, the new products, and all our resources, can be found on the HWW website.

ADHD at Work webinar (21 November 2025, Online)

Join us for an engaging and informative session on ‘’ADHD at Work’’, exploring how businesses across Wales can champion neurodiversity and create more inclusive workplaces. 

Our expert speaker, Aimee Smith, ADHD assessment nurse specialist and consultant psychotherapist, will discuss: 

• What neurodiversity and ADHD are and why they matter at work 
• How to recognise and harness strengths of neurodiverse talent 
• The benefits of building an inclusive workforce

Aimee will be joined by Rhian Gleed, Workplace Health Adviser for Healthy Working Wales, who will share practical examples of how employers can support neurodiverse employees. 

Date: Friday, 21 November 2025 

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 

Location: Online (link provided upon registration) 

Reserve your place now! 

We look forward to welcoming you. 

HWW’s Oliver Williams interviewed on Radio Wales

HWW Consultant Lead Oliver Williams was interviewed by Radio Wales on 06 November as part of a discussion on people off work due to sickness.

Oliver was responding to Sir Charlie Mayfield’s recently published Keep Britain Working Review. He emphasised the commitment of HWW to preventing sickness absence, supporting people to stay in work, and helping employers in Wales build healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Visit the HWW website to read more about the response to the Keep Britain Working Review.

Oliver’s interview can be heard here at 45:48.

Success story: How Powys Teaching Health Board developed a more resilient workplace

Between February and April 2025,  Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) ran an MAC (Mindfulness, ACT and Compassion) approach to support staff. It offered one-to-one help, group and drop-in sessions.

The programme supported challenges faced by staff around mental health, burnout, trauma, menopause, and work problems. Over 73% of staff self-referred to take part in the intervention. The results included improved self-compassion and a reduction in distress, ultimately leading to a more resilient workplace. 

Do you have an example of workplace health and wellbeing in action?

Take a look at other success stories on our website, tell us your story and inspire other employers across Wales!

Weather-proofing fund for medium-sized tourism businesses in Wales

Business Wales’ Year of Croeso Weather-Proofing Fund is currently open for medium-sized (50-250 employees) tourism businesses in Wales, with a closing date for applications of 5pm on 01 December 2025.

Grants of £5,000 to £20,000 are available to support the installation of weather-proofing measures and equipment that can offer visitors enhanced experiences in wet weather, such as:

• Canopies, pergolas, or covered seating
• Covered walkways or visitor shelters
• Woodchip or gravel paths
• Hard standing for car parks
• Indoor play areas

Businesses can submit one application per company (a maximum of two if you own more than one company or business).

Additional information and applications details.

Campaign dates for December

Here are some key campaigns workplaces may wish to get involved in this December:

World AIDS Day (01 December)

World AIDS Day takes place on 01 December each year. The day aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and support those who are affected by it.

Find out how your workplace can support World AIDS Day by visiting the HWW campaign page.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (03 December)

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is the perfect opportunity for employers to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Information and resources about a range of health and wellbeing awareness campaigns can be found on our website.