Our monthly Movers and Shakers article highlights who’s moving up, out or across in the rapidly evolving world of wellbeing. These movers and shakers grabbed my attention in February.
Stepping up
Gemma Porter has been promoted from Global Wellbeing Manager to Global Wellbeing Lead at management consulting firm Oliver Wyman. The company has more than 5,000 employees and has been recognised as one of the Fortune 100 best companies in the world to work for.
Gemma told me that she’s looking forward to continuing to open up the conversation about mental health at work, supporting colleagues, and working with teams across the organisation to create a culture of good health.
Happy anniversary
Claire Douglas is celebrating her three year anniversary working as Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing with SCS Railways. Claire said: “Three years has flown”.
In May, Claire will be moving on from SCS Railways as the project that she was recruited to work on moves to the next phase – which is the delivery phase.
Claire said: “I’m happy to leave knowing that a strong team is in place. A Wellbeing Strategy, overseen by the Wellbeing Steering Group, and a raft of support measures are in place including policies and procedures, a mental health forum, in house counselling, monthly wellbeing webinars and numerous resources on the intranet including personal energy tool etc. Construction has unique challenges for mental health and its been a great learning experience 😊”.
Sounds like a very well-rounded approach.
Claire is planning to take a few weeks off before deciding on her new role. We’ll keep you posted! In the meantime, Claire will be continuing in her role on the Advisory Board for Birmingham University’s Centre for Urban Wellbeing.
The benefits of wellbeing
After 11 years as UK Head of Wellbeing and Benefits with KPMG Sara Flanagan has taken on the role of UK Wellbeing Lead at Deloitte.
It’s interesting to see more specific wellbeing job roles emerging. Perhaps reflecting a shift of wellbeing away from the remit of Rewards and Benefits?
On Sara’s LinkedIn profile she says that her role at Deloitte will involve ownership and delivery of a full programme of wellbeing activity. This includes bringing best practice approaches, aligning to a global wellbeing framework, the firm’s People and Purpose strategy and the Thriving at Work standards. Crucially, she will also be collaborating across the business for measurable impact.
Going for gold
Making the link between mental and physical wellbeing, Isle of Man Sport has recognised that consistent high-level performance, in sport and life outside sport, is built on a foundation of good mental health and wellbeing. The organisation is committed to tackling stigma and maintaining the support structure that promotes good mental health and wellbeing, and allows everyone involved with the Isle of Man Sport Aid programmes to flourish.
In this context, Iain Braid has become the Chairperson of Isle of Man Sport’s Mental Health Steering Group. Working in partnership with sports psychologist Rich Sille, a diverse steering group has been assembled representing coaches, parents, mental health specialists, sports science. Their goal is to create Isle of Man Sport’s mental health strategy for its current, former and future athletes.
Rising demand
It’s encouraging to see that Manchester based EAP, workplace health and wellbeing provider Health Assured is hiring. It looks like they have not just one but a whole raft of new jobs on offer. A healthy sign of the rising demand for wellbeing support services?
Vacancies range from Training and Wellbeing Coordinator through to Immediate Support Counsellor – EAP and Floor Manager. You can find out more about the packages on offer, closing date and how to apply here.
And finally…
I couldn’t help noticing that Google was advertising last month for a Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing to oversee all internal facing efforts in this area across Google globally. The closing date was 22nd Feb, so sorry if you missed it. I mention it because it was advertised with a very healthy salary. Does this mean employers are starting to recognise the true value of people with the skills and experience that can make a difference to workplace mental health and wellbeing? What do you think?
About the author
Claire Farrow is the Global Director of Content and Programming for the Mad World and Make a Difference Summits. She also drives the content for Make A Difference News. Claire is on a mission to help every employer – large, medium and small – get the insight, inspiration and contacts they need to make real impact on workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing in their organisation. She has been freelance for more than 15 years. During that time, she has had the honour of working with many leading publishers, including the New York Times
