Sharon Doyle
Head of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Bord na Móna
To truly foster a culture of wellbeing, organisations should make it a priority to roll out a wide range of support initiatives where all employee circumstances are carefully considered.
At Bord na Móna, employee initiatives include reviewing HR policies to ensure health, wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion; return to work initiatives to assist working parents, such as parenting facilities and flexible working arrangements; and support for staff undergoing fertility treatment or becoming a parent through surrogacy.
The company has also enacted a menopause policy; an intoxicants at work policy designed to treat any staff fairly, respectfully and sympathetically should they have a drug or alcohol problem; an Employee Assistance Programme providing staff and their family members with confidential counselling services; and health screening.
Annual health and wellbeing programme
In January, the company launched a health and wellbeing programme, which recurs annually. It includes a digital gym, steps challenges, couch to 5K, flu vaccinations, self guided meditation and keynote speakers on topics such as resilience, financial management, nutrition, goal setting and stress management.
A safe and healthy environment should be
available to all colleagues — all the time.
Adopting best practices to benefit all employees
The company also achieved KeepWell Mark accreditation in October 2022. “This allows us to benchmark our practices against other organisations and ensure we continue to evolve our offerings to employees and adopt best practices,” explains Sharon Doyle.
A safe and healthy environment should be available to all colleagues — all the time. This is why Bord na Móna has sourced and trained Mental Health Ambassadors to offer practical support and guidance, listen empathetically and non-judgmentally, challenge stigma and encourage a positive mental health culture. Ambassadors have been specially trained to identify and recognise early warning signs of mental health.
Encompassing mental and physical wellness
Mental and physical wellbeing is also catered for at the company’s Mountlucas Wind Farm, a public amenity at Daingean, Co. Offaly. Here, 10km of facilities provide the opportunity for staff and the community to run, walk and cycle.
The Wind Farm also has its own sensory garden, filled with sounds, scents and textures for mental and physical stimulation which provides an outlet for people to exercise safely off the main road and enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors. Additionally, in the company’s Lough Boora District Park (LBDP), there’s an outdoor gym for public use, a well-attended weekly park run event and fishing for people with disabilities.
By demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to employee wellbeing initiatives and policies, organisations can foster a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all employees.