Keeping yourself well and fit for work

A compassionate work environment is one where colleagues feel valued, respected and supported. There are ways we can all contribute to this. Examples include:

• thoughtful and respectful communication with colleagues
• showing interest in each other’s work and offering constructive feedback
• active listening, and demonstrating understanding and empathy
• valuing the diversity of colleagues
• acts of kindness in the workplace
• noticing when a colleague appears stressed or upset, and offering practical or emotional support and signposting.

A compassionate work environment can help us feel more connected with colleagues and committed to our employer.

Resources

Compassion in the Workplace

The Extraordinary Power of Kindness (video)

Active listening skills (PDF)

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Has a colleague gone Above & Beyond for you? Send them a Thank You

A manager can:

• ensure that you have a thorough and well-paced induction to your role – this applies to those new to the University, those changing jobs internally, and even those who have been off work for a long while and need a re-induction
• on a regular basis, ask you how things are going at work and outside of work
• provide a regular opportunity for you to voice any queries or concerns about work, and explore workable solutions with you
• facilitate reasonable self-care measures in your working day.

A manager cannot:

• read your mind – you must speak up if you have any queries or concerns about your job
• resolve out your personal difficulties – although they may be able to offer some support or short term adjustments to make your situation more manageable
• ignore the needs of the business – as well as a duty of care to their team, the line-manager has to consider how to meet the demands of the business.

Please do speak with your manager about your concerns, particularly if these are work-related or if they are impacting on work. They can explore possible options for making the situation better or seek advice from HR colleagues.

Resources

Workplace Pressures Risk Assessment tool (individual version) – provides a structure for exploring any work-related concerns, or personal concerns impacting on work, with your manager.

The Employee Assistance Programme, Spectrum Life, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for advice and emotional support.

Taking a “holistic” approach will help to ensure that you are doing all you reasonably can to stay as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally. The following list is far from exhaustive:

• keeping nourished and well hydrated – basic but vital self-care
• remaining active and ensuring you get regular movement in your working day
• consider how you can incorporate exercise naturally into your day, such as walking or cycling to work, a lunchtime walk with colleagues or use of University sports facilities before or after work
• connecting with others regularly and taking opportunities for enjoyment and fun
• creating opportunities for personal and professional development
• acts of kindness to others – this impacts positively on both the receiver and provider
• achieving a good work-life balance – monitor working hours, particularly if you notice that you are going home later and later, and make your manager aware of workload concerns
• getting plenty of rest and sleep. At work, take routine breaks, ideally away from the desk, and well-spaced holidays.

Resources

Complete the NHS How are You Quiz, which will help you to consider lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake and level of activity.

Look at the 5 Ways to Wellbeing model – how can you apply this to your own situation at work and in your personal life?

Action for Happiness – 10 keys to Happier Living.

Consider flexible working arrangements to help maintain a work/life balance.

From the University

Colleague Wellbeing webpages

Please ensure that you have completed a confidential New Starter Health Questionnaire before starting a new role. This will help to ensure that any required reasonable adjustments are in place and that your wellbeing is supported proactively.

Change Blueprint – ensuring that employee wellbeing is taken into consideration at each stage of a change project.

University of Exeter Sports Facilities; Staff Ex-Hale Membership - Exeter Sports Park

UoE Grounds self-guided walks – including Sculpture walk, Jubilee water walk, and tree trail

Exe Walkers

Multifaith Chaplaincy

External Resources and tools

Thriving at Work Review Farmer-Stevenson review of mental health and employers (implementation guide above)