Workplace wellbeing is high on our agenda – we know you can only reach your full potential if you feel good and function well. That’s why we have a holistic wellbeing strategy with a simple but powerful vision:
To inspire everyone to embrace positive changes that support you to reach your full potential. We are on a mission to help you enhance your physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing. We want you to feel good and function well.
Wellbeing at Hays Block 2 - 2024 Build
A wellbeing strategy that works for you
Our wellbeing strategy is a key part of our overarching people and culture plan, feeding into all areas of our business. We believe wellbeing is a shared responsibility and know that every single one of us wants and needs different things to be the best version of themselves.
We strive to ensure our wellbeing strategy delivers a programme which includes proactive health interventions as well providing knowledge and educational opportunities to better understand individual wellbeing, but we also realise that we will always face challenges in life – and that might mean we need reactive support to get back on our feet.
Whilst virtual yoga classes and fruit bowls in the office are a nice touch, we understand that it’s the principle of good work that builds the foundation for a culture which empowers you to make the right choices for your own wellbeing. Our commitment to wellbeing allows you to take what you need, when the time is right is right for you, at every stage of your career and life. Find out more about some of the aspects of how we support your wellbeing.
Hear from Hannah, our head of wellbeing - audio recording
Wellbeing at Hays Block 3 - 2024 Build
HUMAN champions
Our Human champion network is a dedicated team of volunteers across Ireland and the UK who are passionate about inspiring each and every one of our employees to embrace positive changes, reach their full potential and most importantly, to feel good and function well.
Made up of team members from all levels of seniority, and across each of our offices and regions, the network’s purpose is to keep employee wellbeing at the forefront every day by meeting regularly to discuss and implement our wellbeing plan and to ensure its regional consistency. We promote national awareness days and initiatives, provide a forum for sharing best practices, address wellbeing-related challenges, and serve as a source of ideas and suggestions for employee wellbeing. Each of our Human champions embody the qualities of being HUMAN – “Healthier, Unique, Motivated, mentally Aware, and Nurtured” – and work tirelessly to ensure all of our employees are able to do the same. What unites and drives the Human champion network is a true passion for wellbeing; every member of the network is motivated to make a difference, no matter how small.
Mental Health First Aid
We have a growing network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across all levels and locations of our business. Mental Health First Aiders are able to recognise people who may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention. They are able to offer a non-judgmental ear and effectively signpost colleagues to get the help or support they need. This in turn helps to build supportive communities and a workplace culture where employees feel they can be open about their mental health. We welcome applications to be a Mental Health First Aider from all areas of the business and pride ourselves on taking good care of our Mental Health First Aid network with a comprehensive wrap around plan.
Wellbeing Hour
Each month, we dedicate an hour to our employee’s wellbeing. The wellbeing hour is an opportunity to engage in something that promotes your health and happiness.
During this time, you’re encouraged to reconnect with family, friends and colleagues, or use it as a chance to be active – whether that’s savouring the outdoors or immersing yourself in nature and sport. Alternatively, you might learn something new, which can provide you with an enormous sense of achievement. Or you could focus on mindfulness, taking the time to be fully present, acknowledging your thoughts and emotions whilst engaging with the environment around you.
Don’t just take our word for it though – see what our people have to say:
“The wellbeing hour is great; I use mine to get my hair done so I don’t’ have to go on a weekend”.
“It’s great in the winter where I can finish early or extend my lunch so I can go on a run while it’s still light”.
Managing Well training
Evidence suggests that 69% of managers recognise supporting wellbeing as a core part of their management role, yet only 13% of managers get any training on how to better understand and support employee wellbeing. We’re proud of our in house ‘Managing Well’ workshop, which forms an important module within our people learning plan.
During this interactive half day workshop, our managers learn what we mean by workplace wellbeing and why it’s so important, understand the challenges we face and the factors that influence wellbeing. Our managers are encouraged to reflect on what drives their own wellbeing, learn about tools that can facilitate compassionate conversations, and understand all the resources available to support employee wellbeing within Hays.
Menopause Drop In Call
We hold a bi-monthly menopause drop in call; a peer-to-peer conversation that helps people learn and understand more about perimenopause, menopause and beyond. The call provides a safe space to gain support and insight from colleagues’ lived experience. We also invite subject matter experts to join our call to provide educational content on different aspects of hormone health.
“I joined the Menopause channel because my colleague/good friend told me to – she clearly knew something I didn’t at the time. I was feeling so lost and desperately unhappy, which I was attributing to life post-covid – just recovering from the horrendous experience of being locked up with two kids and my husband for as long as we were!
Anyway, I joined the session and listened to a lady who hadn’t long joined Hays, and she was brave enough to tell her own story of starting HRT. As she described her general feelings and mental state, I started to cry. I resonated with her story so much.
I made a GP appointment that day, and within a week I was prescribed HRT and basically started to get my life back on track.12 months on and I feel myself.”Business Director, London.
Men’s Health Drop In Call
Evidence suggests men are less likely to talk about their health than women, yet the reported statistics reveal that men are disproportionally impacted by a number of health conditions, especially mental health, and less likely to seek professional help. With this in mind, we wanted to create a place where men can talk openly about all aspect of health. Hear from Hays directors, Paul Gibbens and Scott Dance, who set up our men’s health drop in call.
