Chloe Foster is the People Director at Valorum Care Group and will be joining our leadership panel on trust and fairness in Manchester on day three of the Wellbeing at Work UK Summit on 20-22 September and we wanted to get her thoughts before she takes to the stage.
We are thrilled that you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work UK Summit in September. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Great thank you – enjoying the sunshine!!!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges your you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
Working in the care sector burnout is a real issue for our employees – it has been an incredibly challenging few years and it is now taking its toll. Financial wellbeing is also a real concern for our workforce
What strategies have you seen developing in the UK over the past 6-12 months post pandemic to address health and wellbeing in the workplace?
A key strategy I have been working on is line manager training in mental health awareness, menopause support and domestic abuse support. This has worked to support the culture work in creating an open and transparent environment where employees feel comfortable to talk knowing they will not be judged and has given our managers the confidence to have those difficult conversations
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Work is such a large part of all of our lives and often the place we spend a large proportion of our time. I feel it is vital that employers do our part to support each other to be the best they can be, to signpost employees to support as often people may not feel comfortable to talk to their friends or family so employers can play a key role in highlighting the importance of self help
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in September?
Learning from others on how we can continue to successfully support one another and hearing of success stories of what has really worked
Tell us, what is your vision for the workplace of the future, in terms of employee engagement, health and wellbeing?
To create a culture where everyone feels included, supported and comfortable to be themselves – an environment where people can speak out before it is too late
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12-18 months?
Flexible working to promote a better work life balance and employee rewards that really help employees
How has your organisation been leading the way?
Working in social care funds are always tight, however we have invested in wellbeing products to ensure our employees have access to a number of different initiatives to ensure their continued wellbeing – we are also working hard to get rid of the ‘taboo’ topics
Join us at the Wellbeing at Work UK Summit between 20-22 September 2022 in London, Manchester and virtually and hear from Chloe and over 60 expert speakers from across the world. Further details here.
