Nationwide Building Society – Finalist 2021, Best for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Healthy Mind Champions are being rolled out across Nationwide Building Society. All business areas must have someone trained to spot mental health issues and signpost to appropriate support.

Planned access to the ‘Unmind’ mental health platform for staff was accelerated during the pandemic and extended to include a family member. So far, 7,000 people have signed up.

A wellbeing package includes mandatory meeting-free time for a break away from the computer during daylight hours, and a support buddy system.

There are eight employee network groups, speakers who facilitate virtual wellbeing sessions, and information available on topics including domestic abuse, financial wellbeing and family life. Colleagues are encouraged to share stories and experiences around mental health through blogs, intranet articles and chat channels.

All colleagues can access free counselling, legal information and a debt support service.

The flexible working policy includes home working, compressed hours and flexible start and finish times. Parents can also opt for a school term contract. Emergency Dependants Leave has increased from two days a year to four weeks.

Nationwide supports Mental Health Awareness Week with a month of workshops, meditation sessions, stress-buster gym classes and guest speaker events. Other awareness days are also marked.

Latest survey results show that 80% of colleagues feel their wellbeing is supported, with 70% believing Nationwide care about their mental health.

Award sponsored by Hill Dickinson LLP