Wellbeing

Wellbeing is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” However, it is important to realise that wellbeing is a much broader concept than moment-to-moment happiness.

Five great ways to promote wellbeing:

• Connect: Build connections with people around you.
• Be active: Boost your energy and mood by doing something active.
• Take notice: Be curious about the world and savour the moment.
• Keep learning: Learn something new to boost your confidence and have fun.
• Give: Do something nice for someone.

There are other areas that may affect life when it comes to well-being.

If you require any more information on our Health and Safety at work services, Contact us today!

Mental health

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. In some companies an employee is trained as a First aider in mental health.

If you would like to find out more, view our latest blog: https://www.walkersafety.co.uk/blog/2020/02/mental-health-at-work-quick-facts-2/

Working from home

There are some perks to working from home that some of us can enjoy (bye bye commute!), but feeling stress, boredom, anxiety and uncertainty is also completely normal. Alongside this, many of us are worried about future job prospects and trying to look after kids as well. These simple tips can help you while working at home, to feel more productive and take care of your mental health in these difficult times.

To find out more read our previous blog: https://www.walkersafety.co.uk/blog/2020/03/working-home-covid19/

Hybrid and Flexible working

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a shift towards home working and more flexible hours.  While this was initially a necessity as a result of lockdown, employees are now requesting more flexible working arrangements and employers are seeing some of the benefits of a hybrid workplace.  However, the current rules on flexible working are not necessarily fit for purpose.   In September 2021, the Government issued a consultation paper on flexible working which closed on 1 December 2021.  There were various changes being considered.  These included making the right to request flexible working a day one right by removing the 26 weeks qualifying service requirement; removing the rule that only one request can be made each year; and a change in the timeframe for considering requests.  The changes to flexible working were initially proposed in the Employment Bill and so we wait to see what the changes will be when it is introduced.

AI in the workplace   

The increase in working from home has seen an increase in remote monitoring of employees.  The use of AI and machine learning has also increased.  The ICO has consulted on new guidance on data protection and employment practices.  In addition, the EHRC is expected to revise guidance on the use of new technologies and how they interact with the discrimination provisions of the Equality Act 2010.

Menopause

Although women cope differently with menopause, severe menopause symptoms can greatly affect their wellbeing.

The average age of natural menopause is 51 years but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause and before the age of 40 is premature menopause. Late menopause may also occur but by the age of 54, 80% of women will have stopped having periods.

Generally, women having early or premature menopause are advised to take HRT until approximately the average age of the menopause, for both symptom control and bone protective effect.

Some women are not prepared for the onset of menopause and its symptoms. It would be great to provide further information to employers and employees. Get in touch if you need support.

You might find it helpful to…

• Find out more about menopause in general
• Talk to your GP about treatment choices
• Talk with a manager / HR department you feel comfortable with
• Use technology where it can help you – setting up reminders on your phone or taking more notes
• If you have supportive work colleagues talk about your experiences with them, you may find you’re not alone. Humour can help deflect embarrassment and increase your confidence
• Look into mindfulness techniques you can practice at work and at home
• Consider lifestyle changes – could you exercise more? Stop smoking or set a revised weight goal?

If you would like to find out more click on the links below: 

• https://www.walkersafety.co.uk/blog/2020/09/menopause-at-work-risk-assessments-policies-guidelines/ 
• Menopause Matters, menopausal symptoms, remedies, advice

Menopause in the workplace

The Women and Equalities committee set up an inquiry into menopause in the workplace and the extent to which women with menopausal symptoms suffer discrimination in the workplace.  The recommendations are expected in 2022 and this could lead to changes to the Equality Act 2022.

It may be beneficial, if you haven’t already done so, to subscribe to the HSE news and updates link – HSE: Latest news on health and safety at work

Stress

Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behaviour. Being able to recognise common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Emotional symptoms:

• Depression or general unhappiness.
• Anxiety and agitation.
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger.
• Feeling overwhelmed.
• Loneliness and isolation.
• Other mental or emotional health problems.

If you would like to find out more click on our previous blog: https://www.walkersafety.co.uk/blog/2020/04/managing-stress-pandemic/

Get support

• • https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
  • https://www.talkingmenopause.co.uk/
  • https://www.acas.org.uk/working-from-home
  • https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-in-later-life