Arnold Clark – Finalist 2022, Best for Mental Health & Wellbeing

Arnold Clark’s commitment to supporting employees has led to a raft of measure that go the extra mile in helping people through challenging times and normalising conversations around mental health.  

Reaching out  

Arnold Clark strive to normalise the conversation around mental health, to aid education and break down stigma. Regular communications highlight the importance of safeguarding individual mental health and that of others. During Mental Health Awareness Week employees share personal stories, and other awareness events through the calendar are used to signpost support available.  

To identify areas of need that require further support Arnold Clark analyses absence data, monitors hits to the online wellbeing hub and works with their charity partner to review the number and nature of welfare cases being managed.  

An employee podcast was launched in 2022, bringing together experts and employees to discuss issues such as the menopause, their impact and how employees can be better supported. Specific episodes around mental health and wellbeing are planned. 

Accessing support available  

Positive mental health is championed in several ways. After identifying that many employees were unaware of the support options available, all information was consolidated in a central wellbeing hub called ‘Space’. Employees can find resources around physical, financial, and mental wellbeing. Following the pandemic, resources around mental health awareness were increased.  

Partnerships with AXA and an industry charity optimise the support available, including fast access to counselling services, online CBT courses, and the launch of ‘Silvercloud’, which provides access to online wellbeing support. Other partnerships include Maggie’s support and specialist management training for those affected by cancer, and a personal trainer and fitness advisor who is available for online classes and 121 advice. 

Flexible working is seen as promoting wellbeing and all employees can access a flexible working arrangement appropriate to their job role. Leave is available for mental health appointments or childcare needs, and employees can request formal flexible working from day one via the People Team who assist with personalised support, for example return to work plans. 

Management training 

There is a belief that education around mental health is key, especially for managers. Online mental health awareness training is available for all employees and is compulsory for managers. Management workshops focus on understanding mental health and diversity, and managers are provided with toolkits on how to support their employees around specific issues that impact mental health such as dementia, managing cancer, and domestic violence. 

This award was sponsored by Investors in People