We are delighted that Eric is going to be speaking in London this September as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit UK. We caught up with him to find out how he’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Eric, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit UK in September. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Thank you for having me along and also for checking in with how I’m doing. At KMPT we have introduced an optional wellbeing question to be asked at the start of supervision and appraisal meetings. I had my supervision meeting earlier today to which I responded that I am doing well and gave a wellbeing score of 5/5.
As a leader, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
In addition to the typical challenges NHS organisations are facing with mental health and musculoskeletal related sickness absence, we are seeing unacceptable levels of violence and aggression towards staff and with the increases in cost of living, financial wellbeing of colleagues is also a big challenge.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
As a mental health trust, we take mental health and wellbeing very seriously for our patients and our staff. An important strategy that makes a difference to staff is to be responsive to needs in a timely way. As an example, with the recent civil unrest we are witnessing in some areas of the country we understand the news can be unsettling to colleagues, especially those who may have family or friends in the areas affected. Consequently, we have introduced a range of support for staff including the establishment of EDI network-led support sessions. These spaces are for staff to come together and to share how they are feeling in a safe space, as well as sharing what KMPT can put in place to support staff.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
I have lived experience of working in an environment that is not conducive to good wellbeing and know that I can be at my best when my wellbeing is being supported. This motivates me to help other people to be at their best too and I do this through my health and wellbeing leadership position.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in September?
To hear what other employers are doing to support employee wellbeing and sharing our employee wellbeing journey.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
A vision for the future is where organisations have had success in creating a sustainable wellbeing culture for their workforce and in the case for NHS organisations, are able to pass on that wellbeing to patients.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Expanding beyond the typical to include wider aspects of health and wellbeing which I think are becoming increasingly important and more prevalent. I think the focus will be employer specific based on the needs of the workforce and where there is room for improvement in the employee wellbeing offer.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
My organisation was a trailblazer site piloting the updated NHS health and wellbeing framework which comprises of seven segments: 1. Professional wellbeing support. 2. Data insights. 3. Environment. 4. Managers and leaders. 5. Fulfilment at work. 6. Relationships. 7. Improving personal health and wellbeing.
Using the diagnostic tool as a first step we established where there was room form improvement in our offer which led to the development of our health and wellbeing strategy. This provides a dedicated focus to the identified areas for improvement, particularly in relation to data insights, professional wellbeing support and fulfilment at work.
Eric will be speaking in London at the Wellbeing at Work Summit UK which takes place live and in-person in London and Manchester with an additional day of virtual sessions too. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
