Nationwide Building Society- Winner 2025, Best for Mental Health and Wellbeing, sponsored by enei
Nationwide’s understanding of the need to create a safe space for those experiencing mental health challenges has led them to go beyond policies and focus on tailored support that aims to empower employees and promotes wellbeing.
Safe spaces
A dedicated Inclusion and Diversity drives the agenda of the Employee Networks, creating a psychologically safe space by offering guidance on non-stigmatising language and cultivating a culture where open dialogue is encouraged. Regular communication between employee and manager is promoted to facilitate conversations where mental health worries or issues can be flagged. Awareness weeks are used as an opportunity to discuss topics such as baby loss and domestic violence. Expert speakers are invited to events, employees can share experiences through workshops and build connections at coffee mornings, and professional support and resources are provided. Quiet rooms are provided across offices for employees to take time out, meditate or relax.
Experts on hand
There are 145 trained mental health first aiders, 27 within the family network, who provide early intervention and support. This has averaged at 50 interactions per month and they have intervened in some serious instances which have prevented a worst-case scenario. 10 trained domestic abuse allies to ensure employees get the right support. Employees can access external services to suit their needs, including up to six free counselling sessions, free access to a health line that operates 24/7, and a free 30-minute session with a dedicated life and wellbeing coach.
Individualised support
Nationwide recognise the importance of solutions that fit the individual, and so look to a range of support, including a range of flexible working options, to meet their needs. Family-friendly policies are in place around baby loss, pathways to parenthood, menopause, and managing caring responsibilities, to address the impact these can have on mental health. Employees can be referred onto other networks for specialist support, such as the menopause support network that has 13 trained menopause coaches. A ‘wellbeing passport’ is used as a tool to aid discussion and can highlight the need for support or workplace adjustments.
In partnership
Nationwide have utilised opportunities to work with experts to provide specialist support. For example, the collaboration with mental health platform Just Ask a Question links professionals and people with lived experience, and the partnership with Dementia UK provides two dedicated nurses to support employees and their families. In addition, Nationwide has worked with fitness and wellbeing apps and provided on-site gyms at head offices, to make keeping physically and mentally well as accessible as possible.
