How Bristol employers can become leaders in workplace wellbeing
Education, self-empowerment, listening and creating safe spaces were some of the lynchpins highlighted to help foster positive wellbeing in the workplace.
“We teach people how to lift a box in a workplace, but we don’t teach people how to have a conversation,” said Jess Borthwick of Changes Bristol during an animated and insightful panel discussion on burnout and mental health.
Hosted by Bristol24/7 Editorial Assistant Safiya Bashir, the free virtual event took place on Thursday with the aim of promoting positive action and helping businesses lead the way in fostering a healthy, productive workforce and avoiding workplace burnout.
Held during Mental Health Awareness Week, the first event in the Bristol24/7 Presents 2021 series included an expert panel, featuring Jess Borthwick of Changes Bristol, Bianca Jones of EDP Training, Camilla Rigby, the co-founder of Women’s Work Lab and Daisy Roach the head of HR for Better Food.
“Employers need to make a safe space for employees where it’s possible to share open and honest conversations around mental health,” said Safiya, kicking off the hour-long discussion.
Some of the challenges currently faced included the feelings of insecurity, isolation and inequalities exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19, as well as the increase in domestic abuse and struggles around parenting and juggling work at home.
Bianca said: “It’s vital that workplaces do have mental health first aiders in place but also it shouldn’t just fall on them.” She said the awareness and understanding needs to run through the company so that everyone can listen, support and signpost colleagues who are struggling.
Look out for all of the events in the Bristol24/7 Presents series coming up this year.
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I’m a diversity consultant and a design and communications consultant. I help people and organisations develop vision, communicate and deliver cultural change.