The majority of employees who completed the Council’s latest Employee Wellbeing Survey feel respected by their colleagues and can rely on their line manager to help resolve problems at work. 

Nearly 850 employees from across the Council’s three Services filled in the survey, undertaken to measure the health and wellbeing of its workforce. The results will now help shape the Council’s Employee Wellbeing Strategy for the next three years.

Almost half the respondents (49%) agreed they often or always had a good work-life balance. Just over 60% never or seldom felt pressured to work long hours and 83% often or always had a clear understanding of what was expected of them at work.

However, 39% often or always had to neglect some tasks because they had too much to do and 37% considered work related stress as a serious risk to their health.

The bulk of those who filled out the survey agreed they would feel supported by their colleagues (66%), team (56%) and line manager (59%) if they were experiencing mental health problems, with 31% stating they would feel supported by Council policies.

Only 20% of respondents achieved the current recommended weekly physical activity levels, with lunch-time and after work fitness classes and groups, as well as improved access to changing and showering facilities, listed as things the Council could introduce to help increase physical activity levels.

Respondents also suggested that provision of food preparation areas or kitchens within Council premises would help them eat more healthy, as just 30% said they ate the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Stuart Ritchie, Director of Corporate & Housing Services, said: “Continuing to have an open dialogue about our transformation is essential if we are to combat employee worries about the future - and our business plan plays a key role in that conversation. It makes clear that, as a Council, we have to build resilience within our workforce and help safeguard employees’ physical, mental and emotional health so they can adapt and flourish in the long-term.

“Knowing the challenges our employees face is fundamental to our journey. That is why the results of this survey are vital. They highlight where we are doing things right and where we can improve. Only by having this information can we provide the support that our employees actually want and need.”

Already the Council offers a range of ways staff can strengthen their mental and physical wellbeing including:

• Mental Health First Aid training – the first training session took place in April, with more training due to be offered later in the year.
• Smoking cessation clinics – six clinics, run in partnership with the NHS, were held in April and May.
• Training - a suite of face-to-face training sessions is available on a range of wellbeing topics including Keeping Yourself Mentally Well and Keep Well Clinics.
• Healthy Working Lives – the Council has held the Gold award for the past nine years
• Discounts for a range of health, fitness and wellbeing activities and services can be found on the Employee Benefits page.