At Roger Bullivant Limited we look to ensure that our employees are happy and healthy both in and outside of the working environment. Our offices are positive spaces where we encourage teamwork and open communication. This creates the feeling of a community as our employees support and looks out for one another. These last two years have been incredibly challenging, but it is great to see the RB team back in the office working together.
What does Roger Bullivant do to support its staff?
We offer the Access to Work Scheme, provided by Able Futures as well as our Employee Assistance Programme, provided by Health Assured, to help individuals learn ways to better cope with mental health challenges such as stress and move forward to a more enjoyable future. Employees can access free advice, guidance, and information about their mental health, whether that be an already diagnosed condition or not. The scheme is fully funded and is strictly confidential.
‘Online Stress Management’ training is provided to all employees and additionally, managers carry out ‘Managing Stress in Your Team’ training provided by British Safety Council. These are carried out annually.
As well as this, we offer various working options, including hybrid working. This gives employees more flexibility around their hours and where these take place. We have found that this benefits our employees massively as it may reduce any additional pressure outside of work. It also means they can spend more quality time at home due to avoiding the commute to work, therefore resulting in a better work/life balance.
The Roger Bullivant team sees the value in supporting colleagues when it comes to developing their career or education further. We offer to fund a range of different courses including apprenticeships, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. This can reduce the financial stress colleagues may face when wanting to develop their careers further. At Roger Bullivant, we see the value in investing in our employees, which may result in raising self-esteem and self-worth.
Finally, we have several mental health first aiders (MHFA) across the entire company at all levels of the business. This is important as we want colleagues to feel comfortable when approaching these members of staff when they need support and guidance. The purpose of a mental health first aider is to be a point of contact for employees if they are experiencing emotional distress or suffering in silence with mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
So how does MHFA assist colleagues at Roger Bullivant?
Paul Smith, Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Manager, has experience dealing with mental health and workplace stress for over 30 years in various forms. As a manager of people, it is imperative to be aware of the signs and symptoms of colleagues who may be suffering from mental illness and be able to provide early intervention.
Being able to support someone who may need help at what could be a very difficult time can be critical. A single conversation can be a starting point and of great comfort to someone at a time of need. The provision of trained Mental Health First Aiders is a real positive to be able to ‘signpost’ individuals and adds support to our colleagues.
The ultimate goal is to manage workplace stress like any physical illness and ensure workplace controls are in place. By identifying and applying good practice under the headings of Demands, Control, Support, Relationships, Role, and Change.
What can you do to support those that are dealing with stress?
‘Be Kind’ and simply have a conversation as only by being open can we help to reduce and illuminate any stigma attached to mental health.
