Creating an effective Wellbeing Practitioners Network

25.02.2022

 

Mental health and wellbeing continues to be under the spotlight and many companies have invested in mental health training and some are creating mental health focused Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or sometimes called Wellbeing Practitioner Networks (WPNs).

 

These groups not only increase engagement, strengthen culture but also put the company at the forefront of HR, diversity and inclusion best practices. They are an excellent internal resource for support, learning and development of its members. Wellbeing and mental health leads need ongoing support and learning, a place to share and be listened to, as the role can be stressful and isolating especially if there are only one or two in the company. 

 

Illuminate’s Wellbeing Practitioners Network consists of: -

• Regular monthly facilitated meetings for the whole wellbeing team or anyone in the organisation who has a wellbeing or mental health role, depending on the guidelines or the parameters for the group. 
• Support and help in creating the parameters or guidelines for the group and its meetings.
• For smaller companies, we also help with the marketing of the meetings. 
• We evaluate the impact of the meetings on members and produce an evaluation report.

 

When starting a group, it’s important to get the boundaries or parameters clear and be aware of diversity, inclusivity, and language. Ensure every member of the group has a clear copy and in the first couple of meetings you can encourage the group to agree the guidelines or change them. This allows everyone to be heard and encourages engagement from the start and members will have a stake in their group. 

 

The WPNs vary in aims and membership, some companies include anyone with an interest and experience of poor mental health. For example, Google held its mental health employee-led conference where employees led sessions on topics of interest, including accessing benefits and understanding depression. 

 

Getting staff trained in mental health awareness whichever route is only just the beginning and a crucial part of the Wellbeing Policy. Careful planning and clear parameters will make a big difference not only to the WPN's members but also to their teams and the very people who contact them for help and support. 

 

While this is just one of the many ways to create a mentally healthy workplace, a successful network will increase engagement, effectiveness, learning and ultimately productivity, whilst putting the company at the forefront ensuring it stands out for best practice, culture and wellness.