Work can play an important part in our lives, but external factors can also influence how we feel when we come to work.
When Thrings surveyed its staff in January last year, around 70% said they felt the firm supported their wellbeing, had approachable partners and managers and a balanced workload.
It was great to hear that employees were already positive about first-step initiatives such as fruit baskets; closing for the Christmas break; the introduction of dual screens; and ‘employee assistance programmes’ offering counselling and over-the-phone advice on issues ranging from financial and legal worries to relationship issues, “but we were keen to understand what more could be done” explained Lorraine, adding:
“Since the survey, we’ve taken forward a number of new initiatives, such as promoting flexible working with reduced or alternative hours, longer lunch breaks to fit in exercise, or working from home - where appropriate.”
24-hour access to GP consultations and mindfulness workshops are also available to staff.
Thrings realised that, when busy at work, it’s easy to forget the benefits on offer, so it launched an internal communications campaign to remind staff of its wellbeing initiatives and to provide tips and encouragement to take care of oneself.
Lorraine added: “We’ll be introducing a wellbeing hub on our intranet before the year is out and launching workshops on mental health awareness to ensure those in management roles, as well as other staff, are sensitive to the signs – and can act appropriately.”
You can read Lorraine’s comments in the December 2019 issue of Insider magazine.
