Wellbeing Programmes

Organisations that have adopted Wellbeing Programmes have benefited from improvements in staff wellbeing, engagement, productivity and reductions in sickness absence (Friedli et al, 2004).

Improving employee's wellbeing increases their ability to:

  • Learn
  • Feel, express and manage a range of negative emotions
  • Form and maintain good relationships
  • Cope with and manage change and uncertainty

Research has demonstrated that a number of ‘positive steps’ (notably exercise, diet, creativity, challenging negative thoughts, learning new skills and getting involved) show effectiveness for promotion of good mental health and prevention and symptom relief for common mental health problems. (Pevalin and Goldberg, 2003)

These steps include:

Lifestyle/activities

  • Keeping physically active
  • Eating well
  • Drinking in moderation/avoiding drugs
  • Learning new skills
  • Doing something creative
  • Exploring your spiritual side
  • Learning how to relax

Emotional/cognitive

  • Valuing yourself and others
  • Talking about your feelings

Social

  • Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
  • Caring for others
  • Getting involved and making a contribution
  • Asking for help

As well as tackling work-related causes of stress at an organisation level (see Stress Risk Management), employers can help employees to improve their own wellbeing by:

Creating a work environment that enables staff to make positive lifestyle choices (eg healthy food choices, physical activity, non-work activities)

Supporting development of emotional and cognitive skills and attributes associated with mental wellbeing (eg positive thinking, assertiveness, problem solving, effective communication)

Creating a supportive work environment.  Social participation and social support are associated with reduced risk of common mental health problems. The workplace setting provides a network of potential support for employees.

We can help you develop a Wellbeing programme to protect the health of staff and improve the effectiveness of your organisation.  Services include:

  • Review of mental health policies and/or systems for supporting staff with mental health problems
  • Review of current environment/facilities/support to promote mental health and wellbeing (lifestyle, emotional and social support)
  • Staff consultation to consider their needs
  • Review of local services and support available that your organisation might be able to tap into
  • Support in the design of your wellbeing programme around key areas of lifestyle, emotional and social support
  • Support the implementation and launch of the programme