Small Business Awards 2020, which is run by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and opened for entries earlier this month, recognises smaller firms with initiatives and practices that prioritise wellbeing and health in the workplace.

The annual bill for sickness absence across the UK is reported to be some £29 billion, while data from the FSB’s medical and health advice service shows that the number of small businesses seeking mental-health advice has doubled in the last five years.

Indeed, research shows that poor mental health in the workplace is widespread, with 48% of people saying they have experienced a mental-health problem in their current job.

The award is a new addition to the 12 FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2020 categories, which include: high-growth business; digital business; environmental business and business and product innovation award; family business; and young entrepreneur.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: “A commitment to wellbeing in the workplace can help to increase productivity, improve performance and reduce absenteeism; the benefits are also felt within society.

“There is never going to be a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and not every idea will work for every business.

“There are many affordable ideas, from being more open about mental health in the workplace to improving the physical working environment.”

Twelve area finals will be taking place between January and April 2020 across the UK, with the UK national final taking place on 21 May at Battersea Evolution, London.

More information can be found at the Web site (www.fsbawards.co.uk).

The closing dates range from 10 January to 14 February, depending on the applicant’s geographic area.