Overview
With staff burnout rates on the rise and a widespread increased desire to achieve the right work-life balance, it is essential staff wellbeing is prioritised to improve retention rates and the resilience of our future workforce.
Wellbeing at work relates to every aspect of working life, from the working environment to how the workforce feels about themselves.
The best way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, is by learning how to take care of ourselves, and about the support available to help with any health problem you might have.
NHS health and wellbeing framework
The NHS health and wellbeing framework comprises of a seven-element model that describes good workplace wellbeing in the NHS, and a toolkit that helps organisations to understand their needs, develop their strategy, and create an investment / implementation plan to help build a positive wellbeing culture.
The framework acknowledges the importance of a positive health and wellbeing culture and provides a clear rational and case for change. It places greater emphasis on the preventative health and wellbeing interventions. The framework also recognises the need to embed equality, diversity and inclusion.
The seven elements of the NHS health and wellbeing model include:
- improving personal health and wellbeing
- profession wellbeing support
- data insights
- environment
- managers and leaders
- fulfilment at work
- relationships
Start by using the strategic overview document to understand the toolkit and what it can support you in, then use the organisational diagnostic tool for benchmarking and identifying improvements. The wider toolkit will help develop your health and wellbeing strategy, improvement plan and how to evaluate impact.
The video animation below introduces the NHS health and wellbeing framework. It explains what the tool includes, how it was developed and how to use the resources.
Find out more about the NHS health and wellbeing framework and supporting resources.
The report Using the NHS Health and Wellbeing Framework successfully shares the insights and learning from 24 trailblazer NHS organisations and integrated care systems who have implemented the health and wellbeing framework to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce and create a culture of wellbeing.
Our NHS People Promise
The themes and words that make up Our NHS People Promise have come from those who work in the NHS. People in different healthcare roles and organisations have made it clear what matters most to them, and what would make the greatest difference in improving their experience in the workplace. This is what we should all be able to say about working in the NHS, by 2024.
Using the Staff Survey as the principal way to measure progress will enable teams and departments, as well as whole organisations, to see their progress and take action to improve.
The themes of the promise are:
- We are compassionate and inclusive
- We are recognised and rewarded
- We each have a voice that counts
- We are safe and healthy
- We are always learning
- We work flexibly
- We are a team
Case studies
Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit
Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit looks at how we support the wellbeing of our people and teams in the workplace, and proactively create good, sustainable wellbeing cultures. As well as a complete refresh, the toolkit has been updated to include new sections on Stress and Burnout.
Now in its third edition, the toolkit includes refreshed information and resources which focus on the practical, physical and psychological pillars of wellbeing, and supports the wider Greater Manchester Wellbeing programme.
Download the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit
Home Instead wellbeing conversations
In the video below Clare Cliff, General Manager from Home Instead in Stockport talks about the different wellbeing initiatives they’ve introduced.
The People Promise: A Unifying Framework
The Northwest People Experience and Engagement Team has created a flip book of best practice case studies from our organisations across the North West region. Each of the case studies is aligned to one of the People Promise seven themes and it has been created to assist organisations in delivering the People Promise.
Useful links and resources
- Building your own resilience, health and wellbeing
- Developing resilience in practice
- Digital wellbeing Z-Card – Skills for Care
- Greater resilience – better care
- Health and wellbeing information for care staff
- Healthy Leadership Framework – North West Leadership Academy
- Local examples of wellbeing initiatives
- Conversation Workbook – Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
- How to Establish a Model of Psychological Support for Employees During COVID-19 and Beyond – Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
- Wellbeing conversation and compassionate toolkit – Northern Care Alliance NHS Group
- Working from home – Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Peer models of support – principles and values
- Resilience and wellbeing toolkit
- Wellbeing – Skills for Care
- Wellbeing for registered managers – a bite size practical guide
- What is resilience and why does it matter?
- GM Wellbeing Quiz
- ‘Our Wellbeing Community’ Video and Resources – NHS England
Next » Talent management
Finding the time to support our staff with growing and developing their knowledge ad and skills can be challenging, but it is key to ensuring the future sustainability of our workforce.