We spend a lot of time at work, which means that our working environment can inevitably play a big part in our health and wellbeing. Along with stress, musculoskeletal injuries and acute medical conditions, mental ill health is increasingly prevalent as a cause of both short and long-term absence.
We accept that we play a part in our People’s health and wellbeing and try to do as much as we can to help and support health and wellbeing at work.
CALON
In 2020 we launched CALON, a programme is run by enthusiastic NWH Health and Wellbeing Champions who are responsible for initiatives such as walking clubs, introducing fruit at all offices/schemes, promoting various national health initiatives and fun competitions such as best carved pumpkins at Halloween and best dressed workspace at Christmas.
Signed ‘Time to Change’ pledge
We signed the Time to Change pledge in October 2020, demonstrating our commitment to creating a workplace free from mental health stigma and discrimination, and to change the way we think and act about mental health at work.
Health and wellbeing at our core
One of the aims in our People Strategy is to support improvements for a healthy and engaged workforce. We have also developed an Employee Health & Wellbeing policy and have legal obligations under health and safety legislation to manage risks to the health and safety of employees.
Training provided to support a positive working environment
All Managers, Health and Wellbeing champions and First Aiders have taken part in the ‘i-Act Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing’ training. It’s also mandatory that all staff take part in online courses in ‘Stress Awareness’, ‘Mental Health Awareness’ and Equal opportunity training such as ‘Disability Awareness’.
Flexible working arrangements offered
Achieving a good balance in your life and your work is vital if you’re to remain satisfied. This is why we offer flexible working arrangements where we can. We are also in the process of introducing a more agile workforce.
Making sure you’re well equipped
Display Screen Equipment assessments are carried out at any time, and suitable desktop equipment and furniture is provided to staff.
Work closely with occupational health
They play a critical part in developing rehabilitation plans for employees returning to work after absences related to emotional or physical ill health, and work with GPs and line managers on designing jobs and working environments to ensure that rehabilitation is successful.
Signpost to services
If we can’t help, we know someone who can. All staff have access to and are signposted to self-referral services by external organisations and programmes to help staff. A few organisations we signpost to are RCS Wales, Access to Work and Able Futures.
Employer Assistance Programme offered
We offer all staff a health plan, allowing you to claim cash back for everyday healthcare appointments to the dentist, optician, physiotherapist and chiropractor. It also includes face to face counselling sessions, 24/7 Legal and Health and Wellbeing advice and annual Health Screening.
Staff can also access Corporate Gym Membership at a reduced rate via local Councils and we are also enrolled in the government Cycle to work scheme.
Wellbeing-led staff 1:1s
We encourage our staff to speak openly about their wellbeing by including a wellbeing section in one to one documentation to aid discussions at regular meetings with line managers.
Committed to equal opportunity
We are proud to hold the Disability Confident ‘Employer’ badge which demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure that disabled people are supported and treated fairly through every stage of recruitment and employment with North Wales Housing
