Health & Well Being of Staff

1. Health & Well Being of Staff Feedback from the ‘Creating a healthy workplace for all’ workshops (from Conference – ‘Working together: Breaking down the walls’ Nov 10) Introduction 80 people attended the conference ‘Working together: Breaking down the walls’ in November. One of the workshops ‘Creating a healthy workplace for all’ looked at the physical and psychological well being of staff. Participants, from the 3 NHS Trusts and County Council employees were asked to make a pledge – something they would change or implement back in the workplace that would enhance the health & well being of their team. Several key themes, relating to both physical and psychological well being emerged from the pledges, and the following is a summary of participants’ thoughts and ideas. Lunch times / nutrition Take a break away from work area, encourage others to take a break. Encouraging team lunches on a regular basis Psychological Health Listening ….trying to understand other viewpoints Valuing others – giving regular feedback and praise Adopting a positive attitude Taking responsibility for own psychological well being! Team Health & Well Being More open discussion in teams (maybe facilitated) as to what H&WB means to individuals Promoting HWB by example – eg. taking short breaks away from work station Recognising stress levels in others – taking time to listen Reviewing the ‘team environment’ – look at physical changes if affecting H&WB

2. What difference can it make? Quite a lot! Evidence shows that by addressing the health and well being of staff there can be significant improvements to …. how individuals think and feel …….Staff morale ………Team cohesion……….Attendance levels ……and ultimately to productivity. What can I do as an employee? Think about your physical and psychological well being at work – what does it look like? What changes can you make that will make a difference to you and your colleagues? What can I do as a manager? Encourage discussion in work teams around physical and psychological well being and promote staff taking lunch breaks and time away from ‘work stations’ where possible Think creatively with your team about what could improve their health and wellbeing - work with what you have. The smallest change can make a big difference, its not always about increased resources. And finally …………Lead by example. Who can I contact for further information and support? RCHT Kirsten Leslie kirsten.leslie@cornwall.nhs.uk CFT Rosemarie Lane rosemarie.lane@cft.cornwall.nhs.uk PCT Lesley Pallett lesley.pallett@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.uk C. Council Steve Smeeth ssmeeth@cornwall.gov.uk www.behealthyatwork.orgfor further information, tips and advice