But what do we mean by wellbeing? According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
At Leonardo, we focus on these three wellbeing pillars – physical, psychological and social – as well as a fourth one – financial, since we believe that promoting and supporting employee wellbeing is the key to us achieving our aims to champion better work and working lives, and to see our people leading healthy lives and achieving their full potential.
To this end, Leonardo UK is launching a new, dedicated Wellbeing Network Group, building upon the company’s inclusion strategy where we strive to build an inclusive, diverse culture that enables individuals to thrive, feel safe and perform at their best.
“Since this is such as important topic that has touched so many of us during the pandemic, I am optimistic that many people will want to get involved with the new group,” says Leonardo UK’s Head of Inclusion and Diversity, Nerys Thomas.
“Through the employee Network Groups we have already established – Carers, Enable, Equalise, Ethnicity Inclusion and Pride – and the support of senior managers, we have made significant strides in raising awareness of various issues affecting our people, and really highlighted how considering and addressing the varied needs of employees provides benefits to the business,” she adds.
With Sarah Cook as the Executive Sponsor and Jane Saunders as Chair, the new Network Group will drive all our current and new activities that serve to promote the wellbeing of our people. The Group will provide support and inspire everyone to manage their wellbeing, whilst raising awareness with our People Leaders on the importance of wellbeing.
Crucial to this, will be a team of Wellbeing Champions who will drive awareness of the four pillars. The expectation of this approach is that the Wellbeing Champions will deliver five key benefits:
- Peer-based support
- Promote preventative healthcare
- Create empathetic employees
- Dispel fear of Judgement
- Provide clarity on prevalent issues
VP UK Operations, Helicopters Division, Sarah Cook, says: “Wellbeing has always been an important consideration when looking at how we as individuals, and as a business collectively, perform. For many, the pandemic has brought this into sharper focus. Physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing can impact us all at some point so anything we can do to help support colleagues is invaluable. Taking time to talk is one example of how a simple act can make a big difference.”
Sam Nicholls, a Senior Project Manager based in Edinburgh, who faced a personal challenge that impacted his work, has benefited first-hand from Leonardo’s approach to wellbeing. “To aid my recovery, I was given the space to work through this difficult period in my own way. Supported by an empathetic line manager, who took the time to understand my circumstances, I was afforded the time to get back on track and build resilience and coping strategies. I shared my experience openly with colleagues, and by speaking up, I have experienced only positive interactions with people around the business. Being valued as an individual has certainly helped my wellbeing,” explains Sam.
“I have also taken the opportunity to modify my working pattern, providing me with additional time to enjoy with my young daughter. This is evidence of further support from the business which will enhance my wellbeing.”
The Wellbeing Network Group launches in March and we look forward to seeing the positive difference that it will make to our people in Leonardo.
