Hayley is the Head of Human Resources for Salford City College Group, a collective group of colleges across Salford. She has been a people manager for over 14 years, and spent the last 7 years in more specific HR and OD roles, in both the Public and Private Sector. Her current role is to oversee all aspects of human resources within the organisation. Developing and implementing the HR strategy in line with the wider organisation strategy. She is most passionate about building and nurturing a positive work culture – when people thrive, everything else follows.
We are delighted that Hayley will be speaking in Manchester as part of our UK Summit. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Hayley, we are thrilled that you will be speaking at the Wellbeing at Work UK Summit in September. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I’m doing great, thanks— always busy with my two energetic boys, who are always on the move, work, and everything in between. It’s all chaos and fun.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
One of the main challenges we are facing is addressing the growing need for support and playing whatever part we can to help and support our workforce. Whether that be helping to reduce stigma, creating a safe environment for people to share and open up, and providing meaningful resources that truly support people’s needs.
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?
Strong data showing the benefits of making wellbeing a priority in the workplace is helping to drive real change. Across society, there’s growing evidence of the increasing need for support in mental health, physical wellbeing, and financial stability. Employers have a responsibility to do everything they can to support their employees and help ease these pressures.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
I understand from personal experience how a psychologically safe work environment and an ethical, supportive employer can significantly impact mental wellbeing, both personally and professionally
What impact is AI having in your organisation and how are you managing that?
AI is definitely having a positive impact on my work. As a further education provider, we’re fully embracing the progression of technology and are strong advocates for the responsible and effective use of AI. We’re focused on integrating it thoughtfully into our workplace by offering training sessions on how to use AI successfully and highlighting its benefits. Our current wellbeing theme for June, ‘June – Tech It Easy’, reflects this approach, promoting ways technology can help streamline processes and support a healthier, more efficient work environment.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
I would probably say there are other challenges that are not here for the first time, but are definitely intensifying and these are the competitive job market and employee retention. As a public sector employer, where salaries by nature are less than the private sector, we have to be able to attract and keep talent. Making sure we have an excellent employee value proposition that continues to grow.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Firstly, supporting their wider communities and social responsibility to really push out that wellbeing support, this is especially important for employers in Salford and how was can really support those struggling to get into work and flourish.
Secondly, delivering well rounded wellbeing support covering all areas: mental and physical health, financial, social and professional and personal development and training.
Thirdly, focusing on technologies that enhance productivity and job satisfaction is crucial.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
Increasing most definitely, and yes, I agree that is a reflection of the data driven approach to employee wellbeing. Being able to share how a positive culture positively impacts all areas of a business, by looking at key metrics such as employee feedback, both qualitative and quantitative, performance, absence and turnover.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
With our continuous focus on improving our wellbeing offering and using our colleagues’ thoughts and ideas to direct this, but mostly by fostering a positive culture where people are proud of where they work. This is threaded into everything that we do, underpinned by our #WELLSTUDENT, #WELLSTAFF AND #WELLFEST initiatives. It is important to foster a culture of open communication, community and psychological safety.
Hayley will be speaking in Manchester at the Wellbeing at Work Summit UK.
Our London Summit takes place on 23rd September. Visit our London webpage for further details and to book your tickets.
Our Manchester Summit takes place on 25th September. To find out more about our Manchester Summit and book your tickets please visit our Mancherster webpage.
