Wellbeing at Work workstream

The Wellbeing at Work workstream is focused on reviewing existing resources, such as those provided by the Company Partner Wellbeing Space, and enhancing these to ensure that research practitioners and employers have the support they need.  

Great people make great organisations. The wellbeing workstream is looking to promote positive change for better wellbeing at work in the research sector. We want the MRS to be at the forefront of driving change, and we want to do this by leading by example by providing resources for Members and Company Partners. We will do this in partnership with other MRS initiatives, the wider People and Talent Programme and the MRS/Opinium Mental Health survey.

Wellbeing workstream objectives:

• Drive action from more agencies and client-side organisations to implement wellbeing strategies with their teams 
• Provide practical resources (e.g. toolkits, inspiration) for those looking for help in developing and implementing wellbeing strategies
• Success stories to share examples and bring to life
• Create a strong network of experts: go to people and services who specialise in these areas - including Mindful Business Charter

Wellbeing resources:

Mental Wellbeing in the Sector: See the survey results and presentations from the Mental Wellbeing in Research surveys 2020, 2021 and 2022.

• Wellbeing at work definitions
• The Success of the Mindful Business Charter at Firefish
• Barriers to Wellbeing – Client and project management presentation
• Mental Health at Work - A key information hub on how to embed good mental health practice in the workplace.
• MIND workplace - Resources, the Wellbeing Index and specialist training for workplace wellbeing from the mental health charity MIND. 
• The Thriving at Work review, commissioned by the UK government in 2017, reviews how employers can better help staff with their mental  wellbeing.
• Menopause Hub - Information, useful resources, top tips and women’s stories
• Wellness Action Plan provides free wellness action plans for both line managers and employees to assess and manage wellbeing.   
• The cost-of-living crisis  - An infographic showing the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on the nation’s mental health
• How to tackle mental health in the workplace as a manager and colleague published by the UCL School of Management
• Guide to Menstrual Cycles and Mental Health - A guide to the myths and realities of the relationship between mental health and menstrual cycles.
• Remote Working and Mental Health: A Young Professional’s Guide - Discover the importance of selfcare and mental health while working at home. 
• OK Rehab offers guidance for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems
• Flexible working resources, recordings and blogs from the MRS Flex Forum 
• What researchers think of research culture from the Wellcome Trust

Blogs:

1. Top Tips for Setting Boundaries When Working from Home
2. The Challenges and Opportunities of Online Communication
3. The Future of the Office 
4. The Positives to Gain from Blended Working 
5. Return to Work – An Employee Survey
6. Return to Work Plans: Important Factors to Consider 
7. Remote by Default
8. Flexible - the new default
9. Starting a new job remotely