Your wellbeing

We care about your wellbeing—not just your physical and mental health, but also the people and personal priorities that matter to you. If you require support, please speak with your line manager or trusted colleague.

Looking after yourself

It’s important to us that you try to look after yourself. We know that’s easier said than done, but ensuring a good work-life balance, taking lunch breaks, and catching up with your manager can help. The right foods, mindfulness, and exercise can all boost energy levels.

The wellbeing section on Outwood Plus offers tips on physical and mental health, relaxation, and fitness exercises, as well as discounts on gym membership.

Employee assistance programme

We know that life can sometimes seem full of challenges. So it’s reassuring to know you’ve got somewhere to turn when things don’t run as smoothly as you’d like.

Our employee assistance programme (EAP) provides 24/7 access to telephone and online advice and support for you and your immediate family. Information, support, and counselling are available for many aspects of life, including:

• Financial or legal matters
• Family issues or challenging life situations
• Emotional wellbeing
• Coaching for managers

Simply call our provider on 0800 085 6148—it’s free, and you can call as often as you like. Support is available 24/7, and you can call about the same or different issues.

You can also access EAP resources online. You’ll need Outwood’s organisational username and password, which you can find on our EAP flyer.

Eye tests

If you are a regular computer user (someone who uses a computer daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more), then Outwood will contribute up to £50 towards an eye test every two years.

You may also be eligible for corrective glasses if the optician specifically requires them for using Outwood display screen equipment (DSE). Please talk to your HR Assistant or Business Manager to check if you qualify.

 Application form

Menopause

Menopause is something that all women will experience. So we’re aware that many of our female employees could be undertaking their role while enduring symptoms ranging from hot flushes to depression and reduced concentration. Our policy sets out the support available to anyone experiencing the menopause.

 Menopause at work policy

Each school also has a menopause champion, who you can speak to if you’d like further support.

Transitioning

We want all our people to feel included so that everybody can add value and fulfil their potential without fear of discrimination. This includes our people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth and who may identify as trans or transgender, and those who don’t identify in a binary male/female way and identify as non-binary.

We are developing a policy outlining how we will support our employees who identify as trans or non-binary. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please ask a member of the HR team.

Reasonable adjustments

We want to ensure that employees who have a disability are treated fairly and have access to the same opportunities as everybody else. We are committed to ensuring that employees are not disadvantaged at work because of a disability, so talk to your manager to ensure you get the support you need.