30th July 2019
Mental health and employee wellbeing has been put at the forefront of the agenda at Dounreay.
The organisation has recognised the benefits of a mentally and physically healthy workplace that takes care of its people and nurtures a supportive working environment.
Actions have been put in place focusing on health and wellbeing, featuring a number of principle areas from demonstrating management buy-in, to implementing new and updated policies and equipping line managers with the tools and confidence to have conversations about mental health.
Events have been organised during the year such as a walk at work challenge – encouraging everyone to get away from their workstation at lunchtime, walk 5,000 steps and be rewarded with a healthy snack at the end. Despite terrible weather conditions there was a great turnout.
A wellbeing room has also been opened, providing easily accessible information for everyone about the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. It also offers an insight into what you can do to help yourself, as well as providing outlining support that is available.
Recognising the different ways in which people can improve their personal wellbeing, Dounreay is also supporting a corporate scheme with High Life Highland, enabling DSRL staff and their families to benefit from a 10% reduction in the cost of local gym and swimming pool membership.
Kirsty McIntosh, Dounreay’s Occupational Health Clinical Services Manager, says: “Wellbeing is a complex issue and a relatively new topic of discussion for staff at Dounreay. One activity and one success will not solve it, it is about creating a culture and environment which supports future discussions and decisions to support individual wellbeing.
“This is an area of work the team at Dounreay passionately believes in and is one that not only has the potential to benefit the workforce in the future, but is already helping and supporting individuals today.”