Wireline Issue 42 - Summer 2018

• A fitness “ ” It doesn’t always end up as a gym, swimming or pilates programme. It might be breathing exercises… or just a chat once a quarter with their wellbeing coach to talk through coping strategies assessment, if required

Employee Wellbeing | Resilience

Fit for the future The programme was launched in early 2017, and over the course of the first year 235 people had signed up and participated in one-to-one coaching. Over the same period, Centrica Storage witnessed a seven per cent reduction in sickness absence. Among those who took part, they lost a combined weight of 350 kilos and 8.5 metres around the stomach. Francis, however, points to the importance of mental health as part of the overall programme. “We’re seeing cost savings in terms of reduced sickness absence, but we’re also seeing qualitative evidence of improved mental health – we’ve had lots of positive feedback,” he adds. “In a time of change, of reorganisation and restructure across our industry, this is really proving its worth. “This sort of sustainability and behavioural change can’t happen through assessments performed remotely on a computer. It can only come about with trained wellbeing coaches working on a one-to-one basis.” Other Centrica businesses are now showing an interest in adopting the same approach. At BP, meanwhile, Alan says virtually every participant got something from the programme and the >

Francis says it’s the first time he has seen this kind of approach in his 30 years of professional experience. “It’s based on one-to-one support from dedicated and fully-trained wellbeing coaches who aren’t focused on increasing productivity, resolving a technical challenge or performing training,” he explains. “It’s targeted at helping us meet our goals of behavioural change and sustainability.” All employees have had the chance to take part in what is initially a three- pronged schedule: • An individual session with a coach to help them build a picture of what makes them tick and what they want to change

A bespoke action plan emerges from this process and, as appropriate, a health and fitness training programme. “It adds up to a really comprehensive approach,” says Francis. “What I really like about it is that it doesn’t always end up as a gym, swimming or pilates programme. It might be breathing exercises or a walking routine. Or it might be nothing like that at all – perhaps just a chat once a quarter with their wellbeing coach to talk through coping strategies.” Participants can maintain contact with their designated coach and undergo regular reviews to get maximum benefit from the programme.

• A full health check, providing benchmark statistics against which progress can be measured

Centrica Storage employees participating in a wellbeing workshop

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