We want all our employees to be able to be their best selves. This means they are able to thrive at work in a positive, welcoming culture. And in an environment that supports good physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Our Employee Health & Wellbeing Strategy recognises that physical and mental health are equally important. So we have a range of activities and options to help our employees prevent ill-health and maintain good physical and mental health at work. We also recognise that ‘good work’ is important for wellbeing and aim to make working at the Council a positive and fulfilling experience.
As a Disability Confident Employer we support disabled people to thrive and progress in work. We will make workplace adjustments including the provision of aids, adaptations, and flexible working options.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The EAP is a 24/7, free and confidential support service for all employees and their immediate family. The EAP provides immediate access to, but is not limited to, the following:
- Counselling, over the telephone and face to face;
- Financial advice, including debt support;
- Legal advice e.g. consumer issues, motoring etc;
- Family advice e.g. divorce, safeguarding, custody arrangements etc;
- Medical advice, from highly qualified nurses and practitioners.
We also have a health portal available via smartphone or PC. There's information about work life balance, nutrition, sleep and much more.
Occupational Health
All our managers have access to high quality occupational health advice, if required, to support employees in their role. Managers can make fast-track counselling and physiotherapy referrals to support employees to get the support they need as quickly as possible.
Discounted Gym Membership
Employees can take advantage of discounted rates on 6 and 12 month gym memberships at one of nine leisure centres across the city. There are three different membership options from as little as £11.99 per month, and monthly payments can be taken directly from your salary.
Carers Support
We support employees who have caring responsibilities to have flexibility when needed. We have a range of policies and guidance to support both working carers and their managers. We have a Carers Passport - a document that can facilitate a discussion with managers about caring responsibilities, how this may impact work, and the support agreed. We also have a virtual Carers Network, where working carers can find peer support, as well as information and local events relevant to carers.
Employee Groups
Organised by employees for employees. Our employee groups offer a range of activities which support good physical and mental wellbeing. Current groups include circuit training, running groups, yoga, Pilates, choirs, crochet groups. Employees are encouraged to join or even to start their own.
Campaigns
The City Council connect with significant national health campaigns. This encourages a tolerant and well-informed atmosphere at work. We have supported campaigns such as ‘This Is Me’, which aims to encourage more open discussion of mental health in the workplace. Some of our own colleagues have filmed videos discussing their mental health experiences and the support they have received from the Council.
Training
We offer a range of learning and development opportunities which promote positive health and wellbeing. We have a package of e-learning modules covering topics such as health and safety, managing stress, and building resilience. We also regularly offer bite-size mental health resilience training sessions. And mental health awareness is a mandatory component of our management and leadership development programmes.
