THE Swindon Mindful Employer Network is holding its 2010 Conference next month with a host of influential business speakers.

The conference, Promoting Healthier Businesses, will demonstrate to employers how looking after staff well-being helps to create a business culture that can dramatically improve productivity and performance.

The event at the Swindon Marriott on April 19, will focus on the three Rs – resilience, recovery and reputation.

NHS Swindon’s acting chief executive, Heather Mitchell, said : “It has been proven that building positive attitudes and cultures, and having an understanding of mental health issues at work, can impact on business performance.

“Success in the workplace results from taking care of your staff in such a way, that they in turn take care of your business. Employers need to ensure that there is a workplace culture that supports people in reaching their full potential.”

Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work - whose review of the health of Britain’s working age population “Working for a Healthier Tomorrow” is driving the new government agenda around workplace health - will deliver the keynote speech.

Dame Carol said : “Not only is it our duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people of working age to enable them and their families to flourish, it is vital to the success of businesses and to the UK economy.”

Dr Liz Miller, a GP and occupational health expert who shot to fame with her TV appearance on Stephen Fry’s “The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive”, will be joined by Jonathan Naess, Director of Stand to Reason, a prominent UK charity promoting positive attitudes to mental health issues. Jonathan Naess ponted out how one in six employees in Britain are suffering some kind of mental illness.

He said: “This is blighting the lives of many individuals and hurting families and communities at the same time.

“I am really excited by the Mindful Employer Conference in April. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local organisations to learn more about this increasingly essential topic and help their people and businesses become a lot more healthier.”

Louise Aston from Business in the Community will give a presentation on Emotional Resilience. Branding expert and author of “Step Away From the Crayons - building a strong b2b brand” Phil Parr will highlight the importance of business reputation to every employer.

Following the success of last year’s conference and back by popular demand is Lynne Copp, Managing Director of The Worklife Company.

Lynne’s experience in corporate business and her inspirational speaking style have won plaudits throughout the UK and abroad; she is influencing business leaders in all sectors.

David Latham from Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire, project leader of the Swindon Mindful Employer, said: “In difficult economic times businesses need to consider new strategies to retain and motivate their people.

“The key to this success can be a positive attitude to mental health issues in the workplace, which promotes staff loyalty and commitment – much in need in a recessionary environment.

“The three Rs represent a route map for winning businesses and productive employees.”