Training

It is vital that staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work well. Evidence shows that developing an awareness of mental health can help to reduce stigma and help to foster a culture of care.

Managers are key to enabling the health and wellbeing of employees. In addition to building an understanding of how to spot signs and signals and have confident conversations, we draw on the manager behaviours known to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing and develop managers to identify and manage the sources of stress at work, thereby creating tangible change to the way their team experience their work.

We design and deliver training programmes to match the specific needs and organisational context of our clients. We have extensive experience of supporting executive boards, senior leaders, HRBPs, champions and all staff to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Delivered face to face, online or through an e-learning resource, our programmes combine accessible, evidence informed content shared by experienced qualified practitioners. Sessions vary from 30-minute all staff sessions to facilitated 90 minute workshops to advanced skills-based training delivered over a series of sessions. Every session is accompanied by a tailored resource pack to provide delegates with an opportunity to continue learning.

Evidence shows that programmes are most effective when they are tailored to the learners needs and work context. This means we typically:

• review organisational policies and data, interview key stakeholders, run focus groups across staff groups, and amalgamate sectoral evidence from academic and practitioner research. This stage helps us to develop an understanding of the language and norms in your organisation and helps you to gain broad engagement from across key stakeholder groups.
• work with you to co-create solutions. This ensures that organisational expertise is fully embedded and our solutions are tailored and credible. Working together also means that our experience and knowledge around health and wellbeing at work is transferred to your internal stakeholders, building the sustainability of your internal expertise.

We always look to the evidence to ensure that the content and our approach will have the best chance of changing behaviour and achieving the desired outcomes. For example, our manager programmes draws on our IGLOO research, our Working Well Framework and Stress Management Competencies framework.

Module 1: Developing a shared understanding to staying well at work

• Introduction to the IGLOO – developing a shared approach to health and wellbeing at work
• Introduction to mental health
• Recognising signs and signals
• Links between mental health and physical health
• Understanding the role of work

Module 2: Staying well at work

• Recognising the specific pressures faced by managers eg presenteeism, Self-sacrifice
• Developing an awareness of different tools and techniques including: the Ways to Wellbeing, ACT based techniques, Self-compassion, DRAMMA approach to rest and recovery
• Value of prioritising your own wellbeing and role modelling

Module 3: Leading well

• Understanding the managers role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their team
• Creating a psychologically safe work environment
• Talking about mental health

Many of our programmes include modules on specific topics for example, managing change, managing absence and return to work, bullying and harrassment, menopause, and fostering inclusion.

Examples of our Training in Practice

• Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service - bespoke wellbeing programme
• Gatwick Airport - bespoke management programme
• Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils - change readiness programme

Contact us at hello@affinityhealthatwork.com to discuss your training needs.