As we continue to work towards our 2030 priorities, a key focus in our People Enabling Strategy is to be a leader in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of our staff. As part of this commitment, we are piloting Wellbeing Days.
Put simply, wellbeing days are designated time-off off work which employees can use to take care of their mental health.
The trial will last between 29 September 2022 and 28 September 2023. During this time, staff will be able to take a maximum of two ‘Wellbeing Days’ off work if required.
What is a Wellbeing Day and how can staff take them
- Wellbeing days are designated day that staff can take off work specifically to take care of their mental health when they are not sick and haven’t already requested annual leave.
- Wellbeing days do not accrue which means that they cannot be carried forward beyond this trial period.
- Staff do not need to get formal line manager approval to take a single Wellbeing Day but should notify their line manager and are expected to consider their workload, work commitments, their stakeholders, and colleagues. Where possible, employees should provide notice to their line manager at the soonest opportunity and prior to the start of their working day or shift.
- If staff need to take two consecutive Wellbeing Days they must first obtain formal approval from their line manager.
For full details including how to record a Wellbeing Day and guidance for managers, please refer to our Guidance.
