Free workplace wellbeing initiatives

10th December 2021

Mental health and wellbeing are a priority for our Sandwell Business Ambassadors, who actively promote positive practices in the workplace.

One of the ways in which employers can support their staff is by signing up to the Thrive at Work programme. This West Midlands Combined Authority scheme was founded in 2018 and officially recognises companies for actively nurturing their employees’ health and wellbeing. It has four levels of accreditation, starting at the Foundation level and progressing on to Bronze, Silver and Gold.

In October, we reported that fifty more businesses across the West Midlands have been accredited under the scheme, which is fully funded. If you’re interested in signing up, the WMCA is hosting a free webinar on Thursday 16 December, to share information and answer questions. More information about Thrive at Work can be found on the WMCA’s website. 

Another initiative is PROWORK, led by Loughborough University, which aims to bring together business owners and HR staff to investigate the links between mental health, company policies and practices, and long-term sickness absence.

The team are inviting wellbeing leaders from SMEs across the Midlands to attend a single 45-minute interview. In return, they are offering free access to the university’s evidence-based return-to-work toolkit for employers, plus a £15 Amazon voucher. For more information, visit the website where you can download a participant information sheet.

There is also help and information about wellbeing in the workplace on the Sandwell Business Ambassadors website. In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we are able to talk about our anxiety, stress or depression, and to share strategies and sources of support.