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Wellbeing on the Frontline - South Yorkshire Frontline Network

Wellbeing on the Frontline - South Yorkshire Frontline Network

Wellbeing on the Frontline - South Yorkshire Frontline Network

Monday, November 11, 2019

Working on the frontline can be rewarding and challenging. At the Frontline Network we know that wellbeing is a cornerstone of frontline work.

The South Yorkshire Frontline Network recently held an event which focused on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Frontline Workers. At this event, different ways were explored ways to enhance overall wellbeing, through a range of workshops, expert speakers and sharing of good practices through networking. 

In addition to the many resources offered, the South Yorkshire Frontline Network ran a survey to ask for views on your overall experiences of Mental Health & Wellbeing in your workplace.

The survey was anonymous, and its results will now help the South Yorkshire Frontline Network to advocate on your behalf to local decision makers from a frontline perspective.

Key Findings

  • 50% of support workers who undertook the survey stated they receive supervision at least once every 6/8 weeks.

  • Of the 13 who felt supported at work all/most of the time, 70% said they receive supervision at least once every 6/8 weeks and a further 85% felt comfortable talking about their wellbeing with their manager.
  • Only 1 respondent of the 26 had never received a supervision.

The feedback received suggests a strong connection between receiving frequent supervisions from a line manager and feeling supported at work. Further evidence suggests that frequent supervision also develops manager-staff relationships.

The one individual who had never received a supervision with their line manager responded that they rarely/never feel supported or listened to at work.

  • Over 75% of support workers claimed they were encouraged to take annual leave and that this was effective in supporting staff wellbeing.

  • Over 60% of support workers said 1-to1-s with their manger are in place and effective in supporting staff wellbeing however over 40% responded that clinical supervisions were not in place.

  • 50% responded that a wellbeing hour was not in place.
  • Over 40% of support workers claimed that full lunch breaks were ‘in place but not fully used’

While the majority feel comfortable in talking about their wellbeing with their respective manager, and are encouraged to take annual leave, the results suggest many were not sure whether their organisation have a wellbeing plan, or whether clinical supervision is being offered through their organisation.

When asked ‘what would you like your organisation to do better to encourage and promote positive staff wellbeing at work?’ the following responses were given…

  • “Proactive approach - not just a policy saying that we do it.”

  • “Have a slot/session where staff can off load when needed”

  • “Ensure the correct amount of staff on duty. Staff are under a tremendous amount of pressure with no recognition from higher management”

Many responses included encouraging staff to talk about their own wellbeing and dedicating specific time to this to help staff off-load and communicate with senior staff members.

A few support workers commented on under-staffing issues which they felt needed to be addressed. Some responses stated they were happy at the current status of the organisation regarding staff wellbeing.

Frontline Worker Report 2018: Key Findings on Wellbeing

Within our latest annual frontline worker survey 2018, 98% of frontline workers felt ‘having the time to do your job effectively’ was extremely/very important. However, we also found that only 41% agreed/strongly agreed they ‘had time to do their job effectively’.

Overall the survey results describe how having more time to work with clients and being able to provide support in a flexible manner which reflects the needs of the individual has a positive impact on frontline worker wellbeing.

Please download a copy of our full report here, where you can read more about wellbeing on the frontline.

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