Two reports highlighting the importance of communication, engagement and listening for council staff mental health and wellbeing were approved by councillors today (Monday 22 January).
The Council’s Staff Governance committee was updated on the outcome of a staff wellbeing pulse check which showed staff surveyed felt positively about discussing mental health issues at work, the support provided by their managers and support mechanisms the council has put in place.
The committee also heard about progress on a programme to reduce employee stress during organisational change through the use of effective communications by Chief Officers.
Committee convener, Councillor Neil Copland, said: “The reports make for encouraging reading and demonstrate that effective communications and listening to our staff have positive impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
“The programmes recognise the negative effects that work related pressures can have on individuals and we are investing time and effort to mitigate these and ensure that our staff feel valued and supported.”
The staff wellbeing pulse check showed that 52.5% of those surveyed felt comfortable discussing mental health issues at work while 63% agreed or strongly agreed that their manager supports them to maintain positive wellbeing.
66% agreed or strongly agreed that they are aware of the council’s Employee Assistance Programme and know how to access this. 58.4% agreed or strongly agreed that they are aware of the Mental Health First Aiders network and know how to access it.
The report on Internal Communications and Employee engagement highlighted the ongoing work being undertaken by Chief Officers to ensure they communicate clearly, connecting and inspiring individuals and teams while also showing personal initiative throughout transformation and taking a collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision making. This is underpinned by an emphasis on empathy and genuine concern, by taking time to find out how challenges and potential pressures feel from the perspective of others.
The committee also discussed the further mental health support measure of a draft zero-tolerance policy to protect staff from any abuse in face-to-face, telephone and online engagements. A report on the proposed policy will be submitted to a future committee for consideration.