Skip to content

Creating a Workplace Where Colleagues Feel Supported

A man wearing glasses, another man wearing a flat-cap and an orange haired woman sitting down smiling together.

Turning Lives Around (TLA) is a medium-sized West Yorkshire charity supporting people facing homelessness, domestic abuse, substance misuse, offending behaviour and other complex challenges. Recognising the emotional demands placed on colleagues working in frontline services, the organisation has made staff wellbeing a central part of its culture, creating an environment where colleagues feel supported both personally and professionally.

The challenge

Turning Lives Around recognised that colleagues working in psychologically demanding roles need consistent support to maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others. The organisation wanted to create a culture where colleagues felt safe to talk openly about their wellbeing, knew where to access support and were encouraged to look after themselves as well as the people they support.

Approach in practice

Turning Lives Around has embedded wellbeing into everyday working life through a combination of structured support, regular opportunities for connection and by listening to colleague voice. Every team takes part in reflective practice sessions, providing protected time to reflect on challenging work, learn together and support one another.

Alongside this, the organisation brings colleagues together through regular wellbeing events, including picnics, celebrations and smaller social activities that help strengthen relationships across teams.

The organisation has created psychologically informed spaces where colleagues can take time out, access refreshments and recharge during the working day. Colleagues also have access to a 24-hour counselling and support line, while colleague feedback is actively listened to and used to shape ongoing improvements to wellbeing support.

More recently, Turning Lives Around has introduced access to the Blue Light Card to support financial wellbeing, the Flourish wellbeing app, and a wellbeing wheel that clearly signposts the wide range of wellbeing support available. Together, these initiatives help ensure colleagues understand the support available to them and reinforce that wellbeing is a shared organisational priority.

Impact and learning

Turning Lives Around believes that supporting colleague wellbeing requires ongoing commitment rather than isolated initiatives. By combining reflective practice, accessible wellbeing support, opportunities for connection and continuous listening to colleague feedback, the organisation has created a culture where colleagues are encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing and support one another.

Key takeaway for other employers

Creating a supportive workplace is about providing colleagues with a range of opportunities to connect, reflect and access support. Listening to colleague feedback, investing in practical wellbeing initiatives and making support visible can help create a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive at work.

Visit Turning Lives Around
In Focus
Task
Create a safe and supportive environment that protects mental health.