The importance of good mental health and well-being is part of our DNA at motive8.
We always think of the impact we can have on people’s lives when we design health, fitness and leisure solutions, whether it’s a home gym, commercial facility or corporate environment.
At the start of this year, we started looking at how to create our own workplace culture that supports the mental and physical health of our people. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week we thought it would be a good opportunity to share our journey so far.
One of the first steps in this mission, was to create our Wellbeing Support Team and Wellbeing Committee.
We caught up with Jenny Cromack, Director at motive8 and an active member of the motive8 Wellbeing Committee, to find out more.
Why has mental health become such an important topic for motive8?
“The mental and physical health of our employees has always been important to us,” says Jenny. “However, the impact of COVID-19 and challenges such as furlough and working from home has encouraged us to invest in long-term support for our employees’ mental wellbeing.”
What’s the idea behind the wellbeing committee?
“The origins of the committee began during the pandemic. In January 2021, 13 employees from across the company completed the Mental Health England, Mental Health First Aiders qualification.
“They are our ‘eyes and ears’ across the company to keep an eye out for colleagues and recognise the early warning signs in our team for those who may need support.”
“The Mental Health First Aiders are there to support all employees’ mental wellbeing and signpost anyone who may need additional support to external and internal resources.”
Who is on the motive8 wellbeing committee?
“Our Mental Health First Aiders are now known as the Wellbeing Support Team, and it is 4 of the Wellbeing Support team that now make up the motive8 Wellbeing Committee.”
“What’s great is they represent a cross-section of the company. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable talking to their line manager, they can reach out to someone ‘neutral’ who they don’t deal with on a day-to-day basis – someone they can discuss any concerns with confidentially.”
What is the role of the wellbeing committee?
“The aim of the committee is to raise the awareness of what we are doing to support all employees’ mental wellbeing and their enjoyment of working for motive8.”
“We are there to implement and drive wellbeing initiatives and review internal processes surrounding employee welfare.”
What initiatives do you have planned?
“The committee is in its early days. We have recently sent out a survey to all staff to see what things they would like to support their mental wellbeing.”
“The initial focus will be on increasing awareness of the Wellbeing Support Team so that everyone knows who they can reach out to if needed.”
Do you have any advice for organisations considering employees’ wellbeing?
“Don’t think of mental health and wellbeing as a tick-box exercise. We could have qualified team members as mental health first aiders and just stopped there.”
“We felt it was important to do more and strive to improve wellbeing on a continued basis. The motive8 wellbeing committee reflects that on-going commitment.”
“In the long term, we hope the committee will help our employees to live happier, more fulfilled lives both inside and outside of work.”
To find out more about motive8 and the wellbeing services we offer please contact us on 020 8481 9700 or email info@m8group.co.uk
