The Charter, backed by the Mayor of London, helps employers address issues such as sickness absence, productivity, recruitment and staff retention. It offers businesses a framework for reviewing and developing management practices and practical considerations across a wide range of areas, including mental health and well-being, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and healthy eating.

The club was recently awarded an ‘Achievement’ accreditation for its work to improve employee wellbeing, and follows on from us becoming the first football club in the country to become a Living Wage employer in December 2014.

Chelsea FC Chairman Bruce Buck said: ‘We are very proud of our commitment to our employees and are delighted to become the first football club recognised by the London Healthy Workplace Charter.

‘We have worked closely with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham on this initiative and will continue to do everything we can to make working for Chelsea a positive and enjoyable experience for all our employees.’

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: 'There is no doubt that a healthy, happy workforce brings huge benefits to both the individual and their workplace, which is why I have been calling on employers across the capital to do all they can to ensure the wellbeing of their staff. I welcome Chelsea Football Club’s commitment and I’d encourage other clubs and businesses of all types and sizes to follow their lead and ensure London’s workforce remains the most driven and talented in the world.'

Hammersmith & Fulham offers free support to local businesses seeking to improve employee wellbeing. Their Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Residents’ Services., said: ‘Congratulations to Chelsea – we’re really pleased to see their dedication publicly recognised. We look forward to supporting many other local employers to reap the benefits of committing to employee health and wellbeing.’