JUST GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
COLLEAGUES AND CULTURE CONTINUED
Just Talk Just Talk sessions are informal meetings where colleagues share information and knowledge on a range of subjects associated with the characteristics of vulnerability. In a unique blend we invite specialist speakers to share facts and we invite colleagues to talk about their own experience of the subject. Key topics in 2021 were thriving on change, with colleagues sharing their stories openly of managing significant change in their own lives and tips to help colleagues thrive on change, embracing it rather than fearing it. Healthy thinking explored the idea of self-awareness and sharing productive coping strategies for managing our thoughts and feelings. Managing my money offered facts and helpful tips on managing money, with colleagues sharing their personal experiences. Mental health support We recognise the toll that the pandemic has taken on colleagues’ mental health and have a team of fully trained mental health first aiders. Mental Health Awareness Week was an opportunity to promote a range of resources and events, from an “Understanding food for managing stress” webinar and relevant content on Headspace (known as a gym membership for the mind), through to discounted sportswear from MyActiveDiscounts and our cycle to work scheme. Our employee assistance programme called WeCare is also available to all colleagues, offering a broad range of wellbeing support, and we supplemented this with other activities such as a webinar on “How to sleep in a changed world” to mark World Sleep Day and free weekly online yoga classes. Financial wellbeing There are strong links between someone’s financial wellbeing and their mental health and we have continued to offer a broad range of financial wellbeing support. In particular, Pension Awareness Day was an opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of colleagues having a clear understanding of their pensions, and aligns with our own purpose of helping people achieve a better later life. Colleagues were invited to join sessions with our workplace pension provider targeted at whether they were early career, required a mid-life MOT or nearing retirement, so that they could gather the most appropriate information for their own situation. In addition, we supplemented our extensive benefit offering through the launch of a new will writing benefit for all colleagues.
So far my favourite is meeting room 1.1 in Enterprise House – there are stools, ball-shaped seats and hexagonal tables. It’s a perfect room to use for collaborating and workshops… Colleague comment from Just Ways of Working email
Colleagues sharing their stories During the first part of 2021 we continued with our very successful Just Connected stories, with content supplied by colleagues to share across the organisation. This more personal form of communication carried on offering glimpses into people’s lives – from celebrating Nelson Mandela Day through to gardening for National Allotment Week. To support the launch of our trial of hybrid working, we transitioned these stories to focus more on how colleagues are finding their new normal with hybrid working, and balancing the buzz of the office with getting their heads down at home. Supporting colleagues’ wellbeing Supporting wellbeing has continued to be a priority and we have appointed an executive member as the wellbeing sponsor. We recognise the role we play as a good employer in supporting colleagues in their work and personal lives. In taking the view that one size doesn’t fit all, we offered a range of activities and support around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. We have shared these programmes with colleagues in a variety of ways, including Just offers and support emails and some examples of notable activities include:
I have to say, the talk with Peter was one of the best things I have seen in 12 years working here – thanks to you and whoever else teed it up – it was really valuable to me and everyone on the call I reckon Colleague comment from Just Talk session
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