Free health support helping small businesses and local communities thrive

Small business owners are often already managing a fine balance of tight budgets, staff rotas, supply chains, and service delivery. Although most care deeply about the wellbeing of their employees, the constant demands of running a business can push proactive health support down the priority list. The difficulty is that when employee health issues go unaddressed, they rarely stay small. A minor injury, an emerging mental health difficulty, or an unresolved stress-related problem can develop into extended absence, loss of key skills, and the significant cost of recruitment and training.

Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the NHS, Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS) provides completely free health support to SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and to self-employed individuals. It is open to anyone whose health—whether physical, mental, or related to social challenges—is affecting their ability to work. There is no requirement for a formal medical diagnosis, and the referral process is straightforward. Employees can refer themselves, employers can make referrals on their behalf, and healthcare professionals can also initiate the process.

Once referred, individuals are connected with experienced NHS case managers who combine expertise in healthcare with an understanding of workplace realities. The programme can run for up to sixteen weeks, during which the case manager works closely with the person to explore the real causes of their difficulties. Sometimes the problem is straightforward, such as a musculoskeletal injury needing physiotherapy. In other cases, the situation is more complex, perhaps a combination of work-related stress, financial concerns, and poor housing contributing to declining mental health. WHSS case managers are equipped to deal with both scenarios, offering tailored support and, when needed, liaising with GPs, employers, and other professionals. They can arrange interventions such as counselling, physiotherapy, or specialist advice, ensuring that each client receives the right help at the right time at no cost to the individual or employer.

WHSS is already making a real difference for Scottish businesses and communities:

• 67% of absent employees return to work by the end of their programme.
• 82% report improved wellbeing.
• 99% would recommend the service.

Employers benefit from reduced absence rates, improved morale, and stronger staff retention. As one business owner explained:

“WHSS is a fantastic service from start to finish. The quick access to support means that my employees are getting help when they need it, and as a business, it helps me retain staff and reduce absence. Best of all, it’s FREE.”

By helping small businesses to keep their people healthy and at work, WHSS not only supports individual wellbeing but also strengthens local economies and communities. Every employee who remains in their role contributes to the stability of their workplace, the availability of essential goods and services, and the overall vitality of their town or city. In this way, Working Health Services Scotland plays a vital part in ensuring that Scotland’s communities remain strong, inclusive, and resilient.

For more information or to make a referral, visit whss.salus.co.uk.

For more information on how you can support the health and wellbeing of all of your staff, visit Healthy Working Lives - Public Health Scotland