Awareness

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we felt it was the right time to reflect on the work we do to support the wellbeing of the Ashtons team.

It’s good to talk about Mental Health

As part of our core commitment to the wellbeing of our team, over the last 12 months we have established a team of fully qualified Mental Health First Aiders. This team provides confidential advice and guidance to any staff member who may be in need and also run group ‘cuppa and chat’ sessions as we aim to normalise conversations around mental health.

Balance is important

Work-life balance is crucial for good mental and physical health, which is why we ensure that staff have their birthdays off, enjoy flexible working conditions, have recently increased annual leave entitlements across the business, and in the event of illness or loss, receive sick and compassionate leave pay. This autonomy over their time allows them to celebrate, recover, or remember loved ones, which is essential for maintaining good mental health.

For those starting families, we recognise that the early months can be particularly challenging. Knowing that they are supported by their team can provide great relief. We are always ready to assist and do so by providing thoughtful gifts that help ease new parents into their roles.

Providing the right assistance

We know our organisation cannot function without our dedicated staff, so we have incorporated an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers a plethora of resources for addressing both physical and mental health needs. This also provides access to professionals in fields such as nutrition, fitness, and counselling, as well as a medical helpline and legal support where needed, empowering our staff to take control of their wellbeing and live their lives to the fullest.

Building community in the workplace

To ensure every member of our team feels supported during their time at Ashtons, building a strong feeling of community within our organisation is extremely important. With a large remote team and three distinctly different communities within the business, bringing everyone together is sometimes a challenge, so through our Employee Engagement Team, we run regular events throughout the year, designed to bring as many people together as possible. This ranges from charity fundraising events, to themed seasonal events, such as our recent activities focused on Stress Awareness Month, as well as running a very popular book club.

The highlight of this calendar of events is our Annual Company Party. This event enables all of our remote and in-house teams to connect in person, bond over a lovely dinner, and build relationships that extend beyond the office. This fosters a network within the company where staff can find support for any issue, big or small – there will always be someone ready to assist.

Read more: Embracing Wellness: Reflecting on Stress Awareness Month – Ashtons

Read more: Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Throughout April, we embarked on a series of enriching activities aimed at nurturing a culture of embracing wellness within our company. From a step challenge to mental health support, here’s a glimpse into the impactful initiatives we’ve embraced and the strides we’ve made together.

Step by Step: Walking Towards Wellness

One of the highlights of our Stress Awareness Month was undoubtedly the ‘Step Challenge.’ Together, we took an impressive 807,768 steps, demonstrating our collective commitment to staying active and prioritising physical health. Congratulations to Ellis and Sien, our step challenge winners! Beyond the numbers, this challenge fostered a sense of camaraderie and encouraged us to incorporate movement into our daily routines, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Sharing Insights: Staff Stress Tips

In our quest to support one another, we launched the ‘Staff Stress Tips’ initiative, providing a platform for sharing invaluable insights into stress management. From mindfulness techniques to time management strategies, our team shared practical tips for navigating stress in the workplace and beyond. This initiative not only empowered individuals with tools for self-care but also fostered open conversations and a supportive environment where everyone felt heard and valued.

Guidance and Support: Mental Health First Aid

Recognising the importance of mental health support, we organised drop-in sessions with our trained Mental Health First Aiders. These sessions offered invaluable guidance and support, ensuring that everyone has access to resources for managing stress and prioritising their mental well-being. By normalising conversations around mental health and providing a safe space for seeking help, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting each other through life’s challenges.

A Cup of Comfort: Herbal Tea Oasis

In addition to these initiatives, we added a special touch to our staff kitchens with a selection of herbal teas, providing a comforting moment of relaxation amidst busy days. These small gestures of self-care reminded us of the importance of taking breaks, nurturing ourselves, and finding moments of tranquillity amid the hustle and bustle of work life.

One Small Change

As our final theme for Stress Awareness Month, we asked our staff to consider one small change they could make to help them manage stress. We encourage these ideas to be shared among the team, as you never know who might need to hear a positive idea.

Looking Ahead: Prioritising Well-being

As Stress Awareness Month closes, our journey towards well-being continues. Let us not forget the lessons learned and the progress made throughout April. Whether it’s confiding in a trusted colleague, staying active, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection, let’s continue to prioritise our mental and physical health each day.