UK firms 'using online training to support caring employees'

Major companies in the UK are beginning to use e-learning as part of initiatives that are in place to provide employee support.

The Co-operative has recently announced it is rolling out a new workplace strategy that will offer guidance to more than ten per cent of its 100,000 members of staff who are unpaid adult carers.

Within this, the organisation is due to make practical advice available via an online training portal, which will feature learning material, consultancy services and interactive guides.

It also revealed it is joining forces with Carers Trust for 2013 in order to raise £5 million and boost awareness around the nation of the feelings of relentlessness and isolation often encountered by carers.

Liz Bramley, head of employee engagement and diversity at the Co-operative, stated it is imperative that UK firms realise the difficulties workers can face when they are combining paid work with the demands, pressures and responsibilities of looking after a loved one.

She remarked: "Caring is a continuing and growing fact of life for many and our family-friendly approach is designed to give managers across our businesses the tools to act consistently and fairly."

Companies who want to learn more about these tools may want to consider online training resources and one UK institution to offer education in workplace practices is Virtual College.

The institution - which has its own Learning Management System - offers digital modules in subjects such as Health and Safety in the Workplace and Personal Safety for Lone Workers.

Leading financial services firm JP Morgan revealed to Employee Benefits earlier this week that it is going to be relaunching its health and wellness programme in 2013.

The project - which was first introduced at the beginning of 2012 - is also due to feature e-learning and will run a webinar detailing how employees can overcome the winter blues, as well as how to set manageable wellbeing goals.

In addition, it is due to include information on healthy eating, weight-management and offers workers a discounted gym membership.