Record decline in personal wellbeing prompts business leaders to highlight self-care in the workplace
Personal wellbeing levels in the UK fell to the lowest recorded in a decade during the first and second wave of the pandemic, according to a recent ONS release.
And it wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that happiness levels got back on track and our wellbeing improved.
As we approach the second anniversary of the first national lockdown, FOR Cardiff want to encourage businesses across the city to engage with employees, help boost the personal wellbeing of staff and build resilience for the future of the sector.
Launching this Monday (17th January) on what is often known as Blue Monday – or the ‘saddest day of the year’ – FOR You Week will include a series of workshops, training sessions and self-care events, dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of Cardiff’s BID members and their employees.
Sessions will be led by a range of businesses and training providers, including JCP solicitors, Chwarae Teg, Natwest.
Chwarae Teg, Wales’ leading gender equality charity, will host a session discussing their research into agile inclusive workplace practises, and how businesses can implement the findings to create a more inclusive workplace, which supports wellbeing and promotes work life balance for all staff.
Stephanie Griffiths, Commerical Director at Chwarae Teg, said,
“The pandemic has hastened a seismic and permanent shift in how we structure and organise work. This change offers great opportunities to deliver greater equality while achieving a greater work life balance and enhanced wellbeing, but only if we focus on equity and inclusion.
Through our research, we have spoken to many organisations and the key messages are that we must avoid a one-size-fits all approach to workplace practices. Placing equity and inclusion at the heart of how we organise work will ensure everyone can thrive.”
Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff said,
“FOR You week is our way of giving businesses and their employees the time and space to focus on their wellbeing and build resilience for our sectors’ future.
“From understanding how to support colleagues going through the menopause, to improving awareness around mental health, this week will bring the needs of our valued workforce to the forefront and ensure we are meeting them in an educated, cohesive way.
“With the second anniversary of the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is to the benefit of us all to consider the wellbeing of colleagues across all sectors, and ensure we are arming our staff with the skills to practise self-care and manage their wellbeing.”
As well as the week-long workshops, BID members will also be offered discounts to help banish the January Blues, such as Afternoon Tea for two for just £20 at The Angel Hotel and reductions at a range of independent and high-street retailer and restaurants city centre wide.