Issue - meetings

To receive a discussion paper on Providing Support for Staff Wellbeing.

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Providing Support for Staff Wellbeing.

Audio Recording – 15 Minutes 24 seconds

The HR Services Manager presented the Information Note entitled ‘Providing support for Staff Wellbeing’ and advised that:

·       Staff wellbeing was important and impacted on employee engagement, retainment and effectiveness.

·       The report highlighted the Council values, in particular, that staff work together to support each other to deliver the best they can.

·       There was a wide range of direct support and signposting to external sites available for staff.

·       The internal support available to employees was highlighted on page 23 of the report.

·       The external support available to employees was highlighted on page 24 of the report and included, Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programme, North Herts Wellbeing, GP Helpline and Support for Staff who are Carers.

·       Wellbeing articles were timed around calendar events, with an article about loneliness, bereavement and suicide prevention scheduled for December.

·       HR continued to review resources available for staff wellbeing.

·       There would be a staff survey in the Spring, which would include a section on the wellbeing resources available and their suitability.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

·       Councillor Terry Hone

In response to questions the HR Services Manager stated that:

·       HR Business partners were available to work with managers to help and advise them on staff wellbeing, this was being reviewed and updated with the roll out of SharePoint.

·       Wellbeing was highlighted at the SMG and through the Insight magazine and Intranet pages.

·       The HR Team attended discussion groups with other local HR leads where wellbeing knowledge, experiences and ideas were discussed.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis noted that:

·       The bimonthly drop-in sessions for menopause were a great idea as this area was often overlooked.

·       The football group running from Baldock Arena helped to improve mental health in men.

·       Supporting staff with mental health issues was especially important throughout December and towards Blue Monday in January.

·       There was a good measure of support for staff wellbeing.

RESOLVED: That the Committee commented on and noted the Discussion Paper on Providing Support for Staff Wellbeing.