Wellbeing work recognised with award nomination

Tai Tarian’s commitment to looking after the health and wellbeing of its staff has been recognised with a nomination for a prestigious award. 

The Neath Port Talbot-based social housing provider has been shortlisted in the Best Staff Wellbeing category at the Wales HR Awards. 

The nomination comes in the wake of the work it has done to support staff manage their mental and physical health, especially helping them to cope with their stresses during the pandemic. 

One of the measures introduced was training all managers and many staff in how to spot signs of mental illness in themselves, colleagues, friends and family. They also partnered with external organisations to provide specialist support to staff as well as training 13 in-house mental health first-aiders to support their colleagues. 

In addition, workshops were held on the importance of healthy eating, managing wellbeing and keeping a routine and structure when pandemic restrictions made this difficult for some. They also encouraged staff working from home to take regular breaks from their screens during the day and get outside to take a walk or some exercise. 

Work to support staff has also continued beyond the end of restrictions.  They have run campaigns in conjunction with staff, to tell their personal stories of dealing with ill-health in the hope of encouraging others to seek help if they too are suffering.  They also hold regular ‘tea and toast’ sessions where staff are invited along to talk through their problems in an informal, judgement-free setting. 

Zoey Jones, Development Assistant at Tai Tarian, is one staff member who has benefited from some of these initiatives. She said: 
“The training I have undergone at Tai Tarian has helped me realise when I am dipping in and out of low moods and has given me the skills to improve my own wellbeing. 

“It has also helped me approach situations differently, giving me the confidence to support friends, family and colleagues if they are struggling with their mental health. 

“I can’t recommend the work Tai Tarian does enough, both on a professional and personal level.” 

Kelly Mordecai, Tai Tarian’s Organisation Development Manager co-ordinated the initiatives on behalf of the organisation.  She said: 
“Caring about our staff is central to our organisational ethos. I am proud of the work we have done and have been inspired to hear from staff about the difference it has made in their lives.  

“The success of these initiatives has resulted in a culture shift at Tai Tarian, with more staff ready to open up about their health, and managers feeling more confident about how they can offer their support.

“It’s our priority that all our staff contribute to a healthy working environment, and I’m very pleased this work has been recognised through being nominated for this award.” 

The winner of the award will be announced at the Wales HR Awards ceremony on Friday 8th July.