The Oxford Language Dictionary describes well-being as ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy’.

Unfortunately, coping and addressing mental health conditions now appears to be an integral part of the society we live in and even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems to have become the way of the world and statistics show that 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace, and stress, anxiety and depression accounts for 51% of all work-related ill health cases.

Stress within the early years sector is particularly bad at the moment. Nursery World reported that 1 in 4 early years workers are considering leaving. Pressures, such as staff recruitment are a big contributing factor to the impact on the quality of employees work life. Having to substitute quality qualified employees with staff from agencies, who don’t know the routines and the children in our care, inevitably creates a very stressful day.

Another area that is becoming more recognised as an area to support employees within is the Menopause/Perimenopause. Although women may experience different symptoms through the change, we are learning to meet their needs by offering additional support with shift times (due to sleepless nights), doctor appointments and more understanding towards changes in behaviour and attitudes.

Supporting employees with their well-being is paramount in helping them cope mentally and spiritually. Within Inspirations we do our best to uphold this as we are aware women, of which we are predominately based, in full-time employment are nearly twice as likely to have a common mental health problem as opposed to that of men.

There are so many avenues nowadays that support those suffering and struggling, for example helplines (MIND and Samaritans), NHS talking therapies (IAPT), apps such as CALM, social media, and podcasts. It is a subject that is a lot more recognised and talked about for both MEN and WOMEN.

Below are some of the things we do to support staff wellbeing:

• Shout out board – staff and parents can add to this and these are read out in our staff meetings
• Termly supervisions and yearly appraisals are held to check in with staff
• Hot meals available, as well as condiments such as tea, coffee and juice
• Fruit and healthy snacks for break times
• Everyday essentials such as feminine products deodorant etc
• Well-being program – downloadable app to help and support as well as a 24/7 advice line that can put you in touch with counsellors (with 6 free sessions)
• Team building activities
• Comfy, relaxing staff room
• Paid training
• Food provided during staff meetings
• Birthday cakes to celebrate individual birthdays
• Christmas party

Having an open doors policy to the office is highlighted within our policy and vital to support the staff the best we can. Management are always available if staff require a friendly ear. We also have a mental health first aider on site who can help advise employees, as well as room leaders and deputy room leaders trained in ‘supporting staff with well-being in the early years.’

If you have been reading this and it has given you the confidence to express your anxieties, stress, well-being then please see below a couple of contacts of agencies that can help…

MIND – 03001233393

SAMARITANS – 988

Ashleigh Benson