Q&A with south London Research Midwife on wellbeing at work

We spoke to CRN South London’s Senior Clinical Research Midwife, Danielle Hake, about the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Why is wellbeing important in the workplace?

Wellbeing is crucial in the workplace because it focuses on the workforce's needs and tries to support and answer them. As a panel, we identified that wellbeing can mean something different for each individual, and, as such, we try to offer a range of opportunities and signposting. Prioritising wellbeing can keep staff's mental, physical and emotional health on the agenda and help make our workplace a positive environment.

What do you think of CRN South London’s Wellbeing Panel?

I’m proud to be part of the Wellbeing Panel, which aims to provide a collaborative forum to engage with and promote wellbeing projects and initiatives across the CRN South London. We bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to address the multifaceted aspects of employee wellbeing. Last year, we organised a series of talks from experts on topics including menopause and ADHD in the workplace. In celebration of World Sleep Day, Consultant Neurologist Dr Oliver Bernath at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, gave a seminar on sleep disorders, the importance of quality sleep and its impact on our health and performance.

We also put together social events to support a sense of community, particularly as we have members of the Agile Workforce working across the region and people working in a hybrid model, which we know can be isolating. We had a summer picnic in August and a ‘Bake Off’ style cake sale and helped organise the CRN’s festive lunch. Alongside the staff lunch, we collected donations of essential food and home items for St Mungo’s charity, which we delivered to them in December – thanks to everyone who donated.

How does working for an organisation that prioritises staff wellbeing feel?

It is good to see the organisation recognises the importance of staff wellbeing and has a wellbeing strategy which aims to foster a culture where everyone's voice is heard and valued. The key part of this strategy is encouraging a supportive culture, whereby empathy, inclusion, and support mean colleagues can openly discuss wellbeing challenges and seek help without stigma.

What steps can people take to support their wellbeing in the workplace?

There are several steps individuals can take to support their wellbeing in the workplace, such as:

• Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout
• Communicate openly: Don't hesitate to speak up about any concerns or stressors you may be experiencing
• Seek support: Take advantage of available resources such as employee assistance programs

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Fostering a culture of wellbeing is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone in the organisation. By working together, we can create a workplace where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive personally and professionally.