This is my first attempt at a Blog and to be honest although I love writing, it all seems a bit daunting.  I had no idea what to blog about.  So I took a look at the world around me for inspiration (and had a peek at what other people were writing about) and came across an article about making work a healthy place to be.

Bosses must make work happier and healthier, health chiefs say

By Smitha Mundasad Health reporter, BBC News

24.6.15

I am lucky to have an employer who is already on the road to making work happier and healthier, in fact one of the stated values of the organisation are used to underpin the way we work with each other to make it a better place to be;

“Our Values

Committed to each other
Customer focus
Integrity
Openness
Respect and care
Excel and improve”

And the key strategic direction from our CEO this year is to make it a ‘Great place to work’.

I have recently had cause to test the resolve and good intentions of my workplace during a period of sickness absence.  I was diagnosed with clinical depression many years ago and usually have it under control, but due to a whole raft of reasons I recently had a very bad episode and was off work for nearly a month. 

When I worked in the private sector this would have been a real cause for concern for me, as absence of any kind, no matter how ill you may be, was usually met with impatience and, in some cases, harassment to get back as quick as possible.

My experience could not have been more different this time.  I have a very supportive and understanding line manager, who is backed up by good organisational policies and it was this that enabled me to make a good recovery and probably a return to work much quicker.  My colleagues have been supportive and there is a general feeling of well-being in my team.  Ok, not every day is full of rainbows, but that’s just normal life.

The organisation has already recognised the benefits of flexible working and provides a variety of schemes to help all levels of the business.  In terms of being healthier we have access to cycle to work schemes, lunchtime running and walking clubs, pilates on site in the evening, a healthy canteen (although we do get sneaky chips sometimes), a good social network, and we still manage to get the work done.

Don’t get me wrong, no employer is whiter than white, but ours does seem to be heading in the right direction.  

SCOTLAND

There are no deep fried marsbars, chain smoking, beer swilling, hoodies that I have seen, just organisations that have realised that their greatest assets are their workers, not their products.

So Mr BBC journalist, perhaps your article would have been more balanced if you had taken the time to look beyond England. 

Oh, and just to add to the non-stereo typing a bit more, I actually work for the NHS!

K