Active Plus; a Mindful Employer
As a company that prides itself on having a passion for helping others, inspiring positive change in the lives of those that so need it and helping individuals to take back the reigns of their life, it is only fitting that Active Plus take the health and wellbeing of their team seriously. We are ardent supporters of the underdog and prioritise aiding an understanding around hidden disability, promoting compassion and empowering people with a ‘can do’ mindset.
With that said, Active Plus are delighted to have, once again, been accredited with the Mindful Employer Award 2024 having been recognised for the ongoing support the company invests and the level of importance it gives to the morale and wellbeing of its employees.
Established in 2004, Mindful Employer is a highly esteemed national initiative which encourages and actively supports employers to approach mental health at work positively, sensitively and from an informed vantage point. It is Active Plus’s intention and ambition to support the mental wellbeing of all its staff.
This is particularly pertinent as, as stressed on the Mindful Employer website,
‘1 in 6 workers is dealing with a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or a stress -related illness and it’s predicted that mental illness costs UK businesses more than £45 billion a year.’
– www.mindfulemployertensteps.co.uk
It is no surprise that Active Plus places the utmost importance on ensuring all members of the team feel happy at – and with – their work, fully aware that this will result not only in a productive, motivated, and loyal team, but also increasing the chance of a happier, more fulfilling home life, both in the family setting and within the community.
Additionally, establishing and nurturing a happy workforce is likely to reduce sickness – thereby minimising staff absence – and improves employee engagement, making for a formidable team. Active Plus certainly has a resilient and diverse body of staff which serves to enhance the experience of anyone who takes part in an Active Plus course. This inevitably leads to positive outcomes.
Mental health is spoken about openly within the company. In doing so, we remove the fear of speaking freely. Our desire is to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic. Ensuring an approachable, open, and adaptable working environment also leads to increased staff retention and prompts comments such as,
‘This was the best decision I made moving to AP and couldn’t thank the company enough for all the support they have given me.’
This feedback is testament to the leadership team and staff selection process. We recently also discovered the value of endorsing positive staff engagement and support systems when, as one employee’s personal circumstances dictated a move, they wrote,
‘…and I can hand on heart say that the last 6 months have been absolutely phenomenal. The company supports and looks after its people in an even better way than we sometimes supported people in the military in my opinion. There is a real family atmosphere…’
These positive employer/employee relationships are not only heartwarming and reassuring, but they also allow the doors to remain open for such valued individuals to return to the team in the future, should their circumstances allow it. It is always encouraging when people take the time to say thank you and acknowledge where people do and have made a difference.
Of course, whilst it is natural to want to celebrate the Mindful Employer accreditation, we recognise the true success of the team stems from the humility and authenticity which is conveyed by each individual team member. There is no better example of this than our experienced delivery team, all of whom are veterans who have shared their stories.
A recent course delivered for the Citizenship for Life scheme, prompted specific mention of the Veterans speaking “candidly and openly” with “great honesty and warmth.” In fact, this is one of the first parts of an Active Plus course that participants will witness; the veteran instructors relaying their own experiences, their careers in service and how their lives have been shaped as a result. This is a principal factor of the course design and is often the catalyst in helping others feel comfortable and at ease. Again, trust grows, and confidence develops over the course duration.
One former participant, now an employee, stated that completing the Active Plus course,
‘Helped me to shake off the weight of the world and the crippling self-doubt.’
This individual continued to become an integral and valued part of the Active Plus team who can confidently promote the benefits of both the course and working for the company! They are “proud to be part of a forward-thinking team.”
This is further evidence that when a company is willing to support, nurture, encourage, and provide a “break,” in a non-judgemental, proactive setting, wonderful things can happen for both parties. This is why Active Plus will always be fair when recruiting fresh staff, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Mental Health will not be discriminated against, and the disclosure of any mental health challenges will be treated sensitively, with the view to providing the appropriate level of support, adjusting as and where necessary.
All those that pass through the doors of Active Plus are, and have been, the best kind. The company attracts genuinely good people, and it helps unearth the marvellousness in all who are willing to take a chance on themselves. We are a mixed bag from all walks of life, many carrying personal battles. The golden thread? Humility, strength, determination, and compassion. Together we are achieving remarkable things.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each member of our team, past and present, for contributing to the success of Active Plus’s mission to help those who feel lost, overlooked, and invisible to realise their full potential with a renewed vigour and fresh perspective.
Active Plus are proud to be a Mindful Employer and we will endeavour to remain so as we take the company forward with confidence and compassion.
Blog post: Suzanne Body, Active Plus
Photo Credit: Peter Blyth, Active Plus
