AXA ICAS News

Sickness absence management debate: Can absence be cured?

Fri, Apr 23 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article from Personnel Today. The piece details the recent roundtable debate which focused on the benefits of the fit note, sickness absence policies and employee engagement. The debate was organised by AXA ICAS and attended by both OH and HR professionals.

How to get the best from flexible working

Thu, Apr 22 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Changeboard magazine in April 2010. The article, written by Jean Wilcock, operations manager at AXA ICAS, discusses how businesses can stay competitive in the changing business world by offering employees greater flexibility. The article goes on to describe how to introduce a flexible working policy.

Presenteeism hits work performance

Fri, Apr 16 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, recently published in Professional Manager magazine. The article discusses a recent study by the Work Foundation and AXA PPP healthcare which found that employees who go to work when ill can lead to more absence in the long run.

Managing absence

Thu, Apr 15 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, recently published in Occupational Health magazine. The article covers the recent Occupational Health roundtable event, organised by AXA ICAS, which focused on sickness absence management.

Fitting the bill - Money Marketing

Tue, Apr 6 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Money Marketing magazine. The article describes the changes that will take place as a result of the introduction of the Fit Note, and features a quote from Mark Simpson, medical director at AXA ICAS.

Fit note to launch in April 2010

Mon, Mar 15 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Occupational Health magazine. The article covers the launch of the Fit Note, which replaces the sick note, in April 2010 and features a quote from Mark Simpson, medical director at AXA ICAS.

Hand in hand

Mon, Mar 15 2010 0:00:00

Featuring a quote from David Prosser, strategic development manager at AXA ICAS, the above article discusses the approaches that employers are using to tackle sickness absence in the workplace. Click here to read the article in full.

Fit note feedback

Mon, Mar 15 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Occupational Health magazine. The article discusses the current positive feedback on the introduction of the Fit Note and features a quote from Mark Simpson, medical director at AXA ICAS.

Bullying at work

Mon, Mar 1 2010 0:00:00

Click here to view the above article, written by Geoff Taylor, consultant at AXA ICAS. The article covers the difference between bullying and harassment, and highlights the importance for companies to have a clear policy on such issues.

Self Help Service gives staff access to AXA EAP

Thu, Feb 25 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Employee Benefits Talk magazine. The article announces that the charity has given staff access to the AXA ICAS EAP in order to support their emotional wellbeing.

Health screening

Thu, Feb 18 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, which describes Health Screening and the benefits to employees, as well as the benefits to employers in reduing sickness absence rates. The article features a quote from Gary Barnes, business development manager at AXA ICAS.

Mindful approach

Mon, Feb 15 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in February's Occupational Health magazine. The article, featuring a quote from Eugene Farrell, business manager at AXA ICAS, describes the government's new mental health strategy, and how it relates to health and productivity in the workplace.

Top tips for managing recession survirors

Wed, Jan 20 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article published in The Grapevine magazine. Written by Geoff Taylor, consultant at AXA ICAS, the article covers the types of support systems that managers can put in place to effectively manage the individuals who remain in an organisation once redundancies have been made.

Buyer's guide to employee assistance programmes

Fri, Jan 15 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Employee Benefits magazine. The article covers the considerations employers should look at before choosing an EAP provider. AXA ICAS are listed as one of the service providers with the largest market share.

How to get the best out of flexible working

Thu, Jan 14 2010 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in 'Fresh Business Thinking'. Written by Pam Whyteleaf, head of lifemanagement services at AXA ICAS, the article discusses the changing nature of employees' lives and priorities, and the resulting importance of employers embracing flexible working practices, in order to retain a skilled workforce.

Why invest in staff health?

Thu, Jan 14 2010 0:00:00

This article, written by Mark Simpson, medical director at AXA ICAS, was published in Occupational Health magazine. The article discusses the extent to which employers should take responsibility for the health of their workforce. Click here to read in full.

Occupational Health: Staying in shape

Fri, Dec 18 2009 0:00:00

The recent article in Health Insurance magazine discusses the Governments' increased interest in Occupational Health provision during 2009, and explains how this could be set to continue in 2010. The article features insight from Dr Mark Simpson, medical director at AXA ICAS. Click here to read the article in full.

Health Insurance investigation: mental health waiting times exposed

Wed, Dec 16 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, which discusses the waiting times for individuals seeking support for mental health problems from the NHS, and features a quote from Eugene Farrell, business manager at AXA ICAS.

How to better engage your employees

Wed, Dec 2 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in The Times. The article lists the different methods that businesses can use to motivate their workforce, and features a quote from Eugene Farrell, business manager at AXA ICAS.

Picking up the pieces - Retail week - November 2009

Tue, Dec 1 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, which focuses on the emotional impact of crime on retail staff. Mandy Rutter, clinical consultant and business manager at AXA ICAS discusses the case for supporting individuals following an instance of crime.

What can employers do to address mental ill-health in the workplace?

Sun, Oct 11 2009 0:00:00

In the latest issue of Health Insurance and Protection magazine, Madeleine Davies looks at what employers can do to address mental ill-health in the workplace. Eugene Farrell, business manager at AXA ICAS, discusses the importance of line manager training in identifying and supporting employees with mental health issues. Click here to read the full article.

Providers braced for the demands of swine flu

Mon, Sep 28 2009 0:00:00

Health and wellbeing providers are gearing up for a potential surge in demand caused by a possible second wave of swine flu this autumn, as schools reopen and cold weather arrives. In an article on Employee Benefits website Mandy Rutter, clinical manager at Axa Icas, talks about the psychological impact of swine flu. Click here to read the full article.

Culture shock

Fri, Sep 11 2009 0:00:00

In the latest issue of Employee Benefits magaine, Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS, discusses the psychological support needed by employees posted abroad. Click here to read the full article.

The alarming link between job loss and suicide

Tue, Sep 8 2009 0:00:00

In the latest issue of Counselling at Work, Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS explores the relationship between job loss and suicide. Click here to read the full article.

Psychological impact of swine flu must be managed at work

Fri, Sep 4 2009 0:00:00

Until now, the swine flu focus for businesses has been on contingency plans and absence management procedures. However, with the country now gripped by the pandemic, companies must start to look beyond this to identify the steps they should take to mitigate the psychological impact on work and business performance. Click here to read advice from Mandy Rutter, clicnical manager at AXA ICAS on managing the psychological impact of swine flu at work.

The Guardian - Redundancy: They called me the angel of death - August 2009

Mon, Aug 24 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in the 'Work' section of the Guardian on 22nd August. The article suggests that during the recession, those who deliver bad news regarding redundancy need supporting in similar ways to those who are made redundant. The article features a quotation from Geoff Taylor, Consultant at AXA ICAS.

Cardif Pinnacle holds health and wellbeing events for staff - Employee Benefits - August 2009

Wed, Aug 12 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article published in Employee Benefits. The article announces that Cardif Pinnacle are to run Health and Wellbeing events for employees in order to boost morale. AXA ICAS will be attending these events as the provider of their Employee Assistance Programme.

Swine flu puts pressure on OH - Occupational Health - August 2009

Tue, Aug 11 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article in the latest Occupational Health magazine. The article discusses the increasing pressure on Occupational Health departments due to the spread of swine flu. Current AXA ICAS recommendations to recognise the psychological effects of swine flu on individuals are discussed in the article.

Getting to the heart of the sicknote culture - The HR Director - August 2009

Tue, Aug 11 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, written by David Prosser, Strategic Development Manager at AXA ICAS. The article focuses on the challenges facing organisations in tackling sickness absence, and how to tackle them using an integrated strategy.

Employers on swine flu ‘rollercoaster’ now turn to vaccines - Health Insurance and Protection

Thu, Aug 6 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Health Insurance and Protection magazine. The article looks at the possibility of businesses buying in swine flu vaccinations to help stem the potential of rising sickness absence. The article features a quote from Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS.

Employee Benefits - Ease the pressure - July 2009

Tue, Aug 4 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Employee Benefits magazine. The article focuses on how during the current recession and resulting pressure on staff, companies that invest in employee health and wellbeing will notice the positive impact. The article features a quote from Eugene Farrell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS.

Health and wellbeing providers gear up for swine flu - Employee Benefits

Thu, Jul 30 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Employee Benefits magazine. The article discusses the potential impact of swine flu on organisations and features a quote from Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS. Mandy focuses specifically on the psychological impacts that the disease could have.

Head counting - Occupational Health Magazine

Wed, Jul 22 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Occupational Health magazine, which discusses the key points from the recent Attendance Management event in London around tackling sickness absence in the Public Sector. The article make reference to a presentation from Jeremy Garman, Sales and Marketing Director at AXA ICAS, which focused on the Business Case for Wellbeing.

Get well soon - Employee Benefits Magazine

Tue, Jul 21 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Employee Benefits magazine. This articles discusses the impact of employee benefits in reducing occurrences of sickness absence in the workplace, and features a quote from David Prosser, Strategic Development Manager at AXA ICAS.

Psychological health in a pressurised workplace - Fire Magazine

Tue, Jul 21 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in Fire Magazine. In this article, Eugene Farrell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS, looks at the issues surrounding stress in the workplace in the Fire and Rescue Sector and the positive impact that EAPs can have.

Coaching at work - Equality bill brings maternity coaching to the forefront - July 2009

Mon, Jul 6 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published in CIPD Coaching at Work magazine. The article, which refers to the Managing Maternity benchmarking survey (produced in conjunction with AXA ICAS), focuses on the increased need for businesses to invest in materinty coaching following a new equality bill ...

Health Insurance and Protection - What the experts say

Tue, Jun 30 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article in Health Insurance and Protection Magazine, featuring a quotation from Eugene Farrell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS. The article discusses research which reported that one in six individuals suffer from mental ill-health, the impact that this has on organisations and the positive ways in which EAPs can make a difference.

Myths about working mothers - Complinet HR - June 2009

Thu, Jun 25 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article, published onto Complinet HR website. The article discusses the negative assumptions surrounding working mothers, and explores the impact of these assumptions on businesses. The article features quotes from Diana Paine, Senior Account Consultant at AXA ICAS and draws upon the findings of the recent AXA ICAS / Managing Maternity report.

EAEF Press Release - June 2009

Thu, Jun 25 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above press release from the EAEF to promote their forum in Lisbon, which discusses the importance of EAPs in a recession. AXA ICAS / ICAS are a platinum sponsor of this event.

What's all the fuss about swine flu? - Edge Magazine - June 2009

Wed, Jun 10 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read a recent article from Edge magazine, which focuses on the recent headlines around swine flu. The articles features quotations from Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS.

Overcoming 'survivor syndrome' in the face of redundancies

Tue, Jun 2 2009 0:00:00

Click here here to read the above article in Pay & Benefits Magazine. Written by Geoff Taylor, Specialist Services Consultant at AXA ICAS, the article emphasises the importance of organisations taking steps to reduce the guilt that surviivors of redundancies may experience.

The Times – How to cope with a burgeoning workload

Wed, May 20 2009 0:00:00

Click here to view the above article in The Times (20th May 2009), which outlines a 10 point plan for coping with an increasingly large workload. This articles features a quotation from Eugene Farrell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS and recently elected Chair of the EAPA in the UK.

Professional Manager - Employment Issues - May 2009

Mon, May 18 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Professional Manager magazine, featuring quotations from Geoff Taylor, wellbeing Consultant at AXA ICAS. The article focuses the importance of managers being able to diffuse tension and manage conflict.

Employee Benefits - Missing Links - May 2009

Thu, May 14 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Employee Benefits Magazine, which features quotations from David Prosser, Strategic Development Manager at AXA ICAS. The article focuses on the importance of sickness absence management tools, particularly in a recession.

Citi wins 2009 Opportunity Now award for Innovation

Tue, May 12 2009 0:00:00

Managing Maternity, in partnership with AXA ICAS, are proud to partner with Citi in this ground-breaking work on maternity transitions, recognised by Opportunity Now for excellent practice to create equal, diverse and inclusive workplaces.

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Corporate Advisor - What price health and wellbeing?

Fri, May 1 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read an AXA ICAS Opinion Column in the May issue of Corporate Adviser magazine, titled 'EAPs - What price health and wellbeing?'

How to improve your sickness absence performance

Fri, Apr 24 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article from The Grapevine Magazine, where David Prosser, Business Manager at AXA ICAS gives top tips on improving sickness absence performance within organisations.

Employee wellbeing: is it at the top of your agenda?

Sun, Apr 19 2009 0:00:00

In an economic downturn, ensuring the health and wellbeing of your staff is more important than ever.

Click here to read an article in HR Zone on employee wellbeing in the recession, featuring comment from Mark Winwood, Director of Psychological at AXA ICAS.

AXA ICAS Business Manager elected chair of the UK EAPA

Wed, Apr 1 2009 0:00:00

AXA ICAS business manager Eugene Farrell has been elected chairman of the UK branch of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) – a global organisation dedicated to advancing the interests and furthering ...

Free website gives line managers help in tackling absence

Wed, Mar 4 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest article from Health Insurance & Protection Magazine, featuring a quote from Eugene Farrell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS.

Not such a rose picture

Wed, Mar 4 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the above article from PeopleManagement Magazine, which focuses on dealing with alcohol policies in the workplace, featuring a quote from Pam Whyteleaf at AXA ICAS

Employee stress can have a severe impact on your bottom line

Wed, Jan 28 2009 0:00:00

Employee stress can have a severe impact on your bottom line. So how should companies help employees cope with the stress of recession?

Click here to read the full aricle from ICIS.com and learn how Eugene Farell, Business Manager at AXA ICAS shows that EAPs can be a useful tool.

The economic downturn is raising the profile of employee assistance perks

Fri, Jan 16 2009 0:00:00

Click here to read the full Employee Benefits article on how the economic downturn is raising the profile of employee assistance perks. Paul Timoney, Manager Account Consultants at AXA ICAS explains how employers can benefit from integrating their health and wellbeing products and services.

Employers underestimate absence levels by almost 20%

Fri, Oct 31 2008 0:00:00

Most employers underestimate absence levels by almost 20%, experts have claimed. David Prosser, business manager at AXA ICAS explains how its Sickness Absence Management programme resulted in a drop in absence rates and a saving of more than £14,000 a month. Click here to read the full article on Personneltoday.com

Line managers are ideally placed to identify stress-related issues

Thu, Sep 4 2008 0:00:00

In a position to cope?

Stress related issues can lead to huge costs for employers, but line managers are ideally placed to identify the problem early on and begin to tackle it before it can escalate. Geoff Taylor, Senior Consultant at AXA ICAS comments in the latest issue of Employee Benefits magazine. Click here to read the full article.

Nine months is only the start: Managing maternity

Mon, Sep 1 2008 0:00:00

Sticking to the regulations is only half the battle when it comes to managing maternity in the workplace, yet in a shrinking talent pool managing the issues is crucial for success. Click here to read the full HRZone article with comments from Jennifer Liston-Smith, AXA ICAS in partnership with Managing Maternity Limited.

Managers who don't take holidays put themselves and their organisations at risk

Fri, Jul 11 2008 0:00:00

Neglecting holidays can prove to be a serious error for the well-being of employees and, ultimately, their organisations. Despite this, research from the Chartered Management Institute shows that increasing numbers of senior executives are failing to book their full holiday allowance even though they admit that holidays help them 'cope better with work stress'.

Click here to read the full article by Geoff Taylor, Senior Consultant at AXA ICAS.

Expect the unexpected

Mon, Jun 30 2008 0:00:00

No business can escape risk.

In the June issue of Pay magazine Mandy Rutter, Clinical Manager at AXA ICAS, outlines three key steps organisations can take to identify key areas of risk in the workplace.

Under pressure

Fri, Jun 20 2008 0:00:00

Work-related stress is a perennial culprit in public sector sickness absence rates. But while frontline jobs dealing with the public may be inherently more stressful, a niggling doubt remains that there's more to it than that. Click here to read the full article by Eugene Farrell, corporate support services manager at AXA ICAS.

Maternity Matters newsletter

Thu, Jun 12 2008 0:00:00

Click here to read the latest Maternity Matters newsletter and learn about Citi's innovative Maternity Matters programme with HRI - AXA ICAS in partnership with Managing Maternity Limited.

Fitter, happier, more productive

Tue, Jun 10 2008 0:00:00

In a feature article in June's issue of Corporate Adviser titled 'Fitter, happier, more productive', Joyce Roberts, Head of Integrated Healthcare Strategy at AXA ICAS discusses ways that employers can incentivise behavioural change in the lifestyle of their employees. Click here to read the full article.

Keeping Mum

Tue, Jun 10 2008 0:00:00

In an article focusing on maternity management in Edge magazine, Anna Hayward, Director of Managing Maternity Ltd in Partnership with AXA ICAS, discusses how employers supporting women through maternity leave and return to work are 'winning the war' on talent. Click here to read the full article.

Cards that can pull your people out of hot water

Tue, Jun 10 2008 0:00:00

Business or pleasure: Employee Assistance Programmes

In an article on 'initiatives for staff care' in the Financial Times, Jeremy Garman, Sales & Marketing Director at AXA ICAS discusses the wide reaching benefits that Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programmes can offer organisations and their employees.

Three Million People in the UK Juggle Caring and Paid Employment Responsibilities

Mon, May 5 2008 0:00:00

In today’s complex world, achieving work-life balance has become an increasing priority for many of us. Employees are often required to balance multiple responsibilities inside and outside the workplace. Employers need to retain a flexible and multi-skilled workforce to be productive. The world of work has been ...

ICAS advises organisations to educate management on stress prevention

Thu, Feb 28 2008 0:00:00

In a feature article on implementation of the HSE's Stress Management Standards in the RoSPA Health & Safety Journal, Senior Consultant at AXA ICAS, Geoff Taylor, advises organisations to educate management on stress prevention. To read the full 'Pressure Point' article click here.

Survey highlights new maternity trend

Thu, Nov 1 2007 0:00:00

Interested in learning about the experience of other organisations around maternity, retention, strategies for return to work and the role played by line managers?

Click here to read the latest newsletter from ICAS in partnership with Managing Maternity Ltd and to download a full copy of the Managing Maternity Survey 2007 report.

ICAS survey highlights lack of maternity reporting

Mon, Oct 29 2007 0:00:00

Survey highlights lack of maternity reporting

Six months on from April 2007 when the main provisions of the Work and Families Act 2006 came into force, ICAS in partnership with Managing Maternity Ltd look at maternity from the key findings of their new client survey.

The Work and ...

AXA TO BUY ICAS

Wed, Sep 5 2007 0:00:00

AXA TO BUY INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING SERVICES COMPANY

Move signals AXA PPP healthcare’s growth strategy in employee services market

AXA UK announced today that it has acquired 100% of the share capital of ICAS International Holdings Limited, a leading global provider of employee support and well-being services.

This ...

Latest ICAS Seminars - Beyond Stress Management

Fri, Jul 27 2007 0:00:00

Beyond Stress Management - ICAS Seminars

Developing Resilient People for Resilient Organisations

click here for full seminar details

In his bestselling book ‘Future Shock’ published in 1970, Alvin Toffler predicted a world where people would find it increasingly difficult to cope with the pace and complexity of the ...

BBC Drama ‘Sex, the City and Me’ Raises Maternity Issues

Fri, Jun 22 2007 0:00:00

Many women are still experiencing side-lining and undermining comments on returning to work after having a baby, although the trend is gradually improving says ICAS, Europe’s leading employee well-being provider.