Supporting our colleagues’ mental health during COVID-19

To help with this, we developed a dedicated working from home hub for colleagues to easily access remotely where they can find hints and tips on how to make the most of working from home and access to some helpful online workshops to support them through a challenging time.

It also provides some ideas on how teams can stay connected via remote access, including quizzes, virtual pictionary and team exercise classes – we still want our colleagues to build relationships and have fun!

We also wanted colleagues to feel well equipped in managing their mental health during the pandemic through the use of well researched and practical tools and peer support, we made online workshops available to all – those working, those on reduced hours and those furloughed.

Workshops included:

• Mental health awareness (Taking care of yourself and Supporting others)
• Building resilience
• Managing our mindset in uncertain times

Through our workshops so far, we have helped nearly 100 colleagues and look forward to running more sessions over the coming months:

“In the current climate, when things are so uncertain, it’s great that Specsavers put on specific courses to help”

“It gave me the tools and confidence to encourage others, not only in the course, but my team and most importantly my family. At the moment, it’s extremely important to keep focused on what you can control and encourage others to distance themselves from what they cannot”

Although many of our colleagues are still working from home, we are reviewing government guidance and what this means for us and hope to welcome more colleagues back soon.

Our facilities team have done a phenomenal job at keeping our colleagues safe!