CLIENT STORY: Charting a roadmap to better wellbeing: Tracks, trials, and transformation.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change.
Transport for Wales (TfW), a not-for-profit venture under the guidance of the Welsh Government, wears multiple hats—playing the roles of a delivery partner, expert adviser, and advocate for all things transport-related. Established in 2015, its mission is to turn the Welsh Government's dream of a top-notch, safe, integrated, affordable, and accessible transport network into a reality that the people of Wales can take pride in.
THE CHALLENGE.
The last few years have been a rollercoaster for TfW, grappling with unprecedented challenges and navigating through transformative changes.
First on the list was the impact of Covid-19. Then, in 2021, the reins of railway operations for the entirety of Wales were handed over to TfW, giving birth to two new siblings—Transport for Wales Rail Ltd and TfW Innovation Services Ltd. This growth spurt saw the organisation swell from a modest-sized business of circa 200 people to a diverse workforce of over 3000 employees. It would not be a stretch to suggest that on many levels over the last couple of years that the business changed beyond recognition.
But, amidst the hustle, there was a realisation. While TfW had a significant arsenal of health and safety, wellbeing and mental health resources, there lingered concerns about the potential psychological and physical impacts of all of this change on TfW colleagues. As such, the TfW Audit Department commissioned Psychology Works to complete an independent review. The mission? Uncover the current mental health landscape, draw on expert insights, and sculpt a vision for the future: how could it put wellbeing at the heart of how it does business… not just on a mug!* Challenge accepted!
*Note: this is a metaphorical rather than literal reference. To our knowledge, at this time, the only ‘I love wellbeing’ mugs they have are the ones we gave them!
DESIGNING THE AUDIT.
When it comes to a Wellbeing Audit, we believe in taking a 360° perspective and going beyond the traditional employee survey. In our work we strive to tap into the full range of individual and organisational data available, to not only provide a more rounded view, but establish more penetrating insights.
The exact combination of data sources is unique to each organisation, so whilst there may be core elements we typically recommend, the Wellbeing Audit is always bespoke. To facilitate this, we offer a Wellbeing Audit Methodology Menu. So, working in partnership with TfW we curated a bespoke menu of components, that would pull together a range of both qualitative and quantitative information, gathered at the individual, team and organisational level.
THE AUDIT IN ACTION.
Over the course of several months the Wellbeing Audit unfolded, utilising Psychology Works' Better@Work model—a nifty framework that's both simple and innovative.
Picture this: an organisation-wide survey in both English and Welsh, heart-to-heart interviews and focus groups, station strolls and real time onboard train chats as we traversed the picturesque Welsh countryside. Back at the office, a thorough examination of policies, organisational data, and extensive external benchmarking was also undertaken. It was a holistic exploration, leaving no stone unturned.
A distinctive facet of the Wellbeing Audit encounter for TfW colleagues was the personalised reports and supplementary development recommendations that was received by every survey completer. Embedded in the design ethos of the Psychology Works survey platform is the belief that employees should never perceive wellbeing as something imposed upon them. This not only served as a chance to deliver real-time, personalised feedback but created an opportunity for employees to truly engage in the overall experience.
THE SCIENCE BIT.
BETTER@WORK.
The Better@Work model is a simple but innovative framework for building better business performance through wellbeing. Effective for both diagnosis and solution generation, it provides a rigorous framework for assessing existing organisational wellbeing, as well as developing and evolving existing and new wellbeing initiatives.
With an emphasis on shared ownership and responsibility, it is effective at an individual, team and organisational level, supporting the creation of holistic end-to-end interventions, or integrate with existing wellbeing initiatives.
Using the frame work of Manage, Refuel, Recover and Lead, businesses are able to better understand their relative areas of strength, development and risk across each of the four areas, and where needed, provide the framework for focusing effort into one or two critical areas.
"Quite simply the Better Business model can be used as a diagnostic tool or and a framework for developing a more strategic and coherent wellbeing offering."
THE RESULT.
The Audit's revelations were fascinating. TfW had robust systems and an impressive range of resources in place for tackling the symptoms of poor wellbeing—Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programmes, etc, check. But, the root causes of poor wellbeing and mental health—needed some attention. Enter the detailed Wellbeing Audit Report.
Providing deep and penetrating insights, the Report was an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate what was working well – but it was also a detailed roadmap, complete with six key recommendations, and supported by a treasure trove of findings, recommendations, and comprehensive risk-register. Think of it as a toolkit, organised into the four key areas of Manage, Refuel, Recover, and Lead. A toolkit tailor-made for TfW to not just cope but to thrive.
WHAT NEXT?
In essence, this isn't just a story of challenges faced and conquered; it's a narrative of growth, self-reflection, and TfW’s commitment to the wellbeing of it’s people. The journey continues, armed with insights and a roadmap to make sure the ride ahead is not just smooth but fulfilling for every single employee of TfW.
Find out more…
If you would like to know more about organisational change, wellbeing or the services Psychology Works offer in this area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
In the meantime, why not check out some of our other blogs and thought pieces. For real time updates and insights you can also find us on LinkedIn, our social media platform of choice: @PsychologyWorks and @mariagardner
The encore.
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