Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, a great opportunity for Team Boo to reflect on the importance of looking after our wellbeing at work.
As I look back over my career I can recall times when I’ve not felt valued or cared for. This had a huge impact on my mental health and ultimately on my ability to do my job as well as I could.
Thankfully times have changed and I now realise what it means to be part of a values based organisation that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff, supports their development and operates from a basis of trust and confidence in the team. Team Boo role model a coaching approach; whilst being supported in their role, staff are also empowered to use their own initiative and to think creatively. High levels of trust are in evidence and a values based recruitment process means that staff are like minded and motivated to make a positive impact.
Care and kindness run throughout the organisation. The team regularly check in with each other and particular care is given to the mental heath of staff. Space is created for team members to talk about their mental wellbeing in an open and supportive way. In support of physical health, staff are able to cycle to work, hold walking meetings and healthy eating options are on offer. Boo also offers an unlimited paid time off policy. This policy recognises that appointments and child care emergencies come up from time to time and this flexible approach means that these interruptions, which happen to us all, don’t need to cause unnecessary stress.
Alongside the core staff, Team Boo is supported by a number of associates. Associates are welcomed into the organisation and have the opportunity to work from Boo HQ in recognition of the fact that they may feel isolated in their freelance role, often working from home much of the time. Team Days take place at least once a quarter and include plenty of opportunity for networking and shared learning.
We recently gathered some feedback from our staff and associates about the impact Boo has had on them. Here’s just some of what they told us:
“Boo has been a pillar of support on a personal and emotional level”
“I’ve learnt so much, courage, freedom to try, hand holding and true care”
“I love returning to an exciting workplace environment with great support where we can be ourselves”
When we pay attention to our team’s wellbeing, we know that they can shine and operate at their best for our customers.
It’s a privilege to be part of Team Boo. I love my job and this passion drives me to always give 100%.
We’d love to hear about your experience of wellbeing at work. What works well and what can you learn from experiences that haven’t been so great? Tweet us @Boo_HQ.