How we support your wellbeing

We know that your wellbeing is essential. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees.

If you have any kind of physical or mental health condition or a challenging situation that may be affecting how you feel and manage at work, there is help and support on offer.

There is guidance on help and support in an emergency or crisis. If you or a colleague are in danger, call 999.

Wellbeing strategy and standards

Our wellbeing strategy (PDF, 1.83MB) draws on sector best practice, academic research, guidance and recommendations from public health and professional bodies.

It helps us to: 

• attract new people to the organisation 
• engage, motivate and retain employees 
• create a healthier, more inclusive culture 
• lower sickness absence 
• improve performance and development
• improve productivity and success

Our wellbeing standards tell you more about how the organisation and your manager will support you. They also set out what is expected of you in return.

Open, honest and caring communication

Your manager should have an open door policy, so you can contact them with any concerns you may have. Their role is to support you and your work colleagues. You and your manager should have regular conversations about your wellbeing.  

Your manager can, for example:

• refer you to occupational health​ to help explore reasonable adjustments
• help you take advantage of our employee assistance programme and other services for therapy, information and advice

Following the law on breaks and working hours

Take care of your wellbeing. You should make sure you take rest breaks and avoid overworking. ​​

Y​ou must: 

• have a rest break of a least 20 minutes if your shift lasts for 6 hours or more 
• have a break of at least 11 hours between work shifts 
• not regularly work more than 6 days a week or 12 days each fortnight 
• be aware that additional health and safety 'night worker' rules may apply if regularly working for 3 hours or more between 11pm and 6am​​

If you're working outside of your team's normal working hours, you must make sure your manager is aware of this and has agreed your hours of work. 

You must not exceed statutory working hours.

Find out more about breaks and working hours on GOV.UK.

Make jobs physically easier

Your manager should make jobs physically easier wherever possible, for example by moving loads on wheels, providing better handles on loads or adjusting heights of worktops.

Find out more about health and safety at work.

Leave from work and flexible working

Find out more about taking time off, including leave for:

• sickness
• medical and healthcare appointments
• unexpected or unplanned events and emergencies
• loss and bereavement
• looking after your family
• personal development

If you’re off work with a wellbeing issue, your manager should keep in contact by email, phone or in whatever way you find comfortable. Your manager should offer flexible working arrangements, for example to remove regular travel plans or to help balance changing family or childcare commitments.

Find out more about flexible working arrangements.

Financial support

You may need financial support if you’re unable to work for a time and not entitled to pay. You may be entitled to benefits or a charity grant. There is more information on financial wellbeing, for example, how to contact our employee assistance programme for advice.