Creating a Culture That Encourages Self-Care
About the organisation
A Mindful Employer Charter Signatory since 2024, Axiologik is committed to creating a culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and encouraged to look after their wellbeing both inside and outside of work.
The Challenge
Axiologik recognised that the pressures of consultancy work can often extend beyond the working day, making it difficult for people to switch off and prioritise their own wellbeing. The organisation wanted to create an environment where self-care was actively encouraged, recognising that supporting people to look after their mental health benefits both individuals and the organisation.
Approach in practice
Axiologik believes that supporting self-care starts with creating the right culture. Its approach has been informed by the lived experience of a colleague working in wellbeing who had previously experienced burnout, reinforcing the importance of helping people switch off outside working hours and maintain healthy boundaries between work and home life. Rather than expecting people to manage this alone, the organisation provides a range of opportunities and resources that encourage self-care as part of everyday working life.
The organisation continually invests time in learning about workplace wellbeing by attending events, workshops and training, bringing back ideas that can be adapted and implemented within Axiologik. Rather than introducing wellbeing initiatives for their own sake, Axiologik researches new ideas, learns from others and adapts approaches that reflect what colleagues say they value most. This is complemented by a wellbeing learning platform offering a range of mental health and wellbeing resources, alongside regular lunch and learn sessions that help keep wellbeing visible and encourage ongoing learning across the organisation.
Recognising that self-care looks different for everyone, Axiologik also creates opportunities for colleagues to connect through activities such as lunch clubs, quarterly team socials (such as pottery nights, terrarium workshops etc), games nights, walking groups and running clubs. These initiatives encourage people to take breaks, build relationships and make time for activities that support their wellbeing.
Regular onboarding and wellbeing surveys ensure colleagues' feedback continues to shape the organisation's wellbeing offer, helping create a workplace where self-care is supported, encouraged and embedded into everyday working life.
Impact and learning
Axiologik has found that creating opportunities for self-care helps build a workplace where people feel valued, supported and able to maintain a healthier balance between work and home life. By listening to colleague feedback and continually developing new wellbeing initiatives, the organisation has created a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to look after their wellbeing.
Key takeaway for other employers
Supporting self-care is about creating a workplace where people are encouraged to take breaks, switch off, build healthy habits and access opportunities that support their wellbeing. Self-care is most effective when organisations create the time, opportunities and culture that encourage people to look after their wellbeing every day, not just when they are struggling.