XeroE Joins Leading Innovation Programme to Improve Health and Wellbeing of Workers

XeroE is taking part in a brand new innovation programme to improve their employees’ health and wellbeing. The two-year Employer Health Innovation Fund programme – run by Design Council and Impact on Urban Health – aims to help employers trial new ways to support the health of their workforce.

The programme encourages employers to think beyond traditional health and wellbeing interventions. Participants will work with Design Council’s trained innovators through 2021. Together they will take forward their bright ideas to create a healthier, happier and safer workplace. As part of the programme, XeroE will receive a share of £1 million to develop their intervention and inspire others to adopt new approaches to protecting the health and wellbeing of workers.

XeroE will be working alongside a number of organisations, including:

·  Transport for London (TfL)

·  TfL Bus Operators (Abellio, Arriva, Go Ahead London, HTC, Metroline, RATP Dev, Stagecoach, Sullivan Buses, Tower Transit, Uno Buses)

·  James Glancy Design

·  Excellerate Cleaning Services

·  Southside Rehabilitation Association

·  Station to Station Business Improvement District

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New interventions will focus on a range of outcomes – from improving financial wellbeing, and adapting working environments, to enabling better physical or mental health in the workplace. 

XeroE have received funding to explore the needs and challenges of their couriers to understand how small changes to their job can enhance their health and wellbeing. Working with a trusted health and wellbeing provider, Rener Wellbeing, both XeroE and Design Council hope to develop insight on health and wellbeing of couriers in this industry.

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Steve Evans, Founder and CEO of XeroE, said: “We appreciate the support from the Design Council and Impact on Urban Health for this project. Through our partnership with Rener Wellbeing, we will drive positive change in the gig economy. The health and wellbeing of our industry’s workers is vital.” 

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Khalil Rener, Director and Wellbeing Consultant at Rener Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to work with the Design Council and XeroE on this exciting and innovative project. We can’t wait to start understanding the unique wellbeing needs of XeroE’s team further and thus develop sustainable and bespoke wellbeing solutions to match. Here’s to a successful project!”

Cat Drew, Chief Design Officer at Design Council, said: “We are hugely impressed by the ideas presented by our programme participants, and can’t wait to get started. There are so many benefits to investing in the health and wellbeing of employees. Not only does it make for a happier, safer, healthier workforce – it also leads to better business outcomes. Increased productivity, improved retention rates and reduced sickness, are just some of the benefits that employers get in return. I look forward to sharing their progress and inspiring others employers across the UK.”

Rohan Martyres, Programme Director at Impact on Urban Health said: “The circumstances of people’s work, income and finances impact significantly on their health – for good or bad. Because of this, we’re proud to partner with the Design Council and work with employers across our home in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark to find new ways to improve the health and wellbeing of staff at risk.”

To find out more about the Employer Health Innovation Fund, please contact ehif@designcouncil.org.uk or call 020 7420 5264.