Wellbeing Champions in the Workplace

Employee wellbeing has become a top priority for many organisations. Companies are recognising that a healthy, happy workforce is not only more productive but also more loyal and engaged. A key component in promoting this positive culture is the role of wellbeing champions. But who are these champions, why are they crucial, and what skills and training do they require? Let’s explore these questions.

Why Are Important?

1. Advocates for Health and Wellbeing – Wellbeing champions act as advocates for their colleagues, promoting health and wellbeing initiatives and helping to create an environment where mental and physical health are prioritised. They serve as a bridge between the management and employees, ensuring that the workforce’s wellbeing needs are heard and addressed.
2. Building a Positive Culture – By actively promoting a culture of wellbeing, these champions help reduce stigma around mental health, encourage open communication, and foster a supportive community within the workplace. This cultural shift can lead to increased job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
3. Enhancing Engagement and Productivity – Employees who feel supported in their wellbeing are more likely to be engaged and productive. Wellbeing champions play a crucial role in identifying and implementing initiatives that boost morale, such as wellness programs, mindfulness workshops, or stress management seminars.

The Skills Needed to Be a Wellbeing Champion

We have a variety of programmes that are designed to support the skills required to be an effective wellbeing champion. To be effective, wellbeing champions need a combination of personal attributes and professional skills:

1. Empathy and Compassion – Understanding and relating to colleagues’ wellbeing challenges is crucial. Champions should be approachable and empathetic, creating a safe space for employees to share their concerns.
2. Communication Skills – Clear and effective communication is vital. Champions need to convey information about wellbeing initiatives and resources effectively and sensitively. They should also be good listeners, able to understand and relay feedback to management.
3. Organisational Skills – Coordinating wellbeing programs and activities requires strong organisational abilities. Champions often organise events, manage resources, and track participation and outcomes.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities – Wellbeing champions often need to identify potential issues and develop creative solutions. This could involve addressing specific concerns raised by employees or finding ways to integrate wellbeing into the company culture seamlessly.
5. Passion for Wellbeing – A genuine interest in health and wellbeing is essential. Champions should be enthusiastic about the topic and committed to promoting it within the workplace.

Training for Wellbeing Champions

Our training programmes equips champions with the knowledge and tools they need to support their colleagues effectively. We co-design training programmes to build the skill set required for your workforce. Key areas of training that are often included in our programmes are:

1. Mental Health First Aid – Understanding the basics of mental health, recognising signs of distress, and knowing how to offer initial support are crucial skills. This training helps champions provide immediate assistance and guide employees towards professional resources when necessary.
2. Workplace Wellbeing Strategies – Champions should be familiar with various strategies and programmes that promote health and wellbeing, from coping strategies to stress reduction techniques.
3. Communication and Leadership Skills – Training in these areas ensures that champions can advocate for wellbeing initiatives effectively and lead by example.
4. Data and Feedback Analysis – Understanding how to gather and interpret data related to employee wellbeing can help champions measure the effectiveness of programs and make informed recommendations for improvements.

The Varied Roles of Wellbeing Champions

There is not a one-size fits all approach to developing wellbeing champions. A wellbeing champion in one organisation can be a very different role in another. Champions can wear many hats depending on the needs of their workplace. These might include:

1. Programme Coordinators – They can often take the lead in organising wellbeing events, from health awareness campaigns to fitness challenges, ensuring these initiatives are engaging and accessible to all employees.
2. Mental Health Advocates – Champions may act as a point of contact for colleagues facing mental health challenges, providing support and directing them to appropriate resources.
3. Feedback Collectors – Gathering feedback from employees about wellbeing initiatives and workplace culture is another crucial role. This feedback is invaluable for tailoring programs to better meet the workforce’s needs.
4. Role Models – By embodying a balanced approach to work and life, champions can inspire colleagues to prioritise their own wellbeing. They set an example by practicing what they preach, whether it’s taking regular breaks, exercising, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Conclusion

Wellbeing champions are indispensable in fostering a thriving workplace environment. Their role in promoting health, supporting mental wellness, and advocating for a positive culture cannot be overstated. By equipping these champions with the right skills and training, organisations can ensure that their efforts to enhance employee wellbeing are effective and sustainable. In turn, a healthier, happier workforce leads to a more productive and harmonious workplace.

Find out today, how People First can support you in co-designing and creating wellbeing champions that are align with your organisational wellbeing goals and objectives. Get in touch today and let’s make wellbeing a priority for everyone. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a healthier, happier workplace.