After all , the way we treat and look after our people , ultimately filters down to the events we run and how we organise them . Remember , happy and healthy people will result in successful , smooth-running events .
Culture : in and out of the office
Another way of looking after and supporting employee wellbeing is considering the culture that surrounds them in the workplace , reveals Shuckburgh . “ Culture is very important ,” he says . “ I think the definition of culture has changed . It ’ s not about physical things like beanbags or football tables any more , it ’ s much broader . It ’ s about how businesses look at important issues , such as equality , diversity , and inclusion , even sustainability , and the way they approach these topical issues . This , ultimately , creates the culture in which employees are happier to stay in ,” he says .
This culture even extends to outside of the office , and to employees who are working from home . Yes , flexible working has become the norm and has many benefits , but we must remember it can also negatively impact our wellbeing if we ’ re not careful . “ I think working in the pandemic is a very difficult time for some , and people find it can affect their mental health being remote and on their own ,” says Shuckburgh .
But we must remember , our employees should never feel alone , or ‘ in isolation ’, it ’ s all about communication , more specifically , always ensuring there ’ s some form going on . At Strata , Shuckburgh reveals the company has implemented various initiatives such as coffee mornings to “ help people get in touch with others they don ’ t necessarily speak to on a daily basis , and to try and keep the feeling of a team and camaraderie going .”
Strata has also set up a mental health helpline for its employees , which is supplied through the company ’ s Bupa health care package . “ We also train our employees in mental first aiding , we have a lot of mental health first aiders now ” Shuckburgh adds .
He reminds us : “ All it ’ s really about is just keeping more regular contact with people whilst they work from home , and encouraging them to be open , as well as providing someone like myself to support them on a daily basis .”
Behavioural shifts and changing mindsets
What does it take from a management perspective , to implement these changes and ensure wellbeing is put first ? I ask Shuckburgh .
“ It takes a behavioural shift ,” he says . “ From a management perspective , it ’ s about investing time , more than anything , with those employees . Give them the opportunity to tell you where they want to be in three years or five years ,” says Shuckburgh .
“ Ask them what their career aspiration is , and help them achieve that , because your people will ultimately help you as a business to continue to develop .” www . conference-news . co . uk