May was a month dedicated to movement and mindfulness at AD Associates, as we devoted the month to employee wellbeing.
We aimed to foster a healthier and more engaged workplace, ensuring our employees had the resources and support needed for their overall wellbeing. We included a Step Challenge, daily wellbeing tips, free fruit deliveries, and the promotion of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wisdom portal.
Stepping up for health
The highlight of the month was a Step Challenge. Inspired by this year’s National Mental Health Awareness Week theme of ‘movement’. We encouraged our employees to get active and compete in a friendly challenge to see who could accumulate the most steps. We wanted to inspire our team to walk at every opportunity, whether before work, during lunch breaks, or after work and at weekends.
Adding to the spirit of camaraderie, we introduced group social lunchtime walks on Tuesdays. These walks provided an excellent opportunity for employees to take a break from their desks, enjoy the fresh air, and engage with colleagues. The social aspect of these walks helps strengthen team bonds and offers a refreshing mid-day boost. Not to mention enjoying the occasional warm summer day, which has unfortunately been a rarity this year!
Daily wellbeing tips
Every day through May, our employees received practical and insightful tips and news via a newly established Teams channel dedicated to wellbeing. These tips cover various topics, from mindfulness and anxiety management techniques to nutritional advice and local events.
Each tip was a small reminder for our employees to care for themselves amidst their busy schedules, contributing to a sense of wellbeing in the workplace. Of course, this channel will remain a permanent fixture in our Teams Sharing Hub, as we want to ensure that wellbeing is not just a one-month trend.
Free fruit deliveries
We arranged weekly free fruit deliveries to complement our focus on movement and health. Fresh, seasonal fruit was available to all employees, providing a nutritious and convenient snack. This initiative was a hit, encouraging healthier eating habits and giving everyone a much-needed energy boost throughout the day. Therefore, we have decided to keep the fresh fruit all year round.
Highlighting the EAP Wisdom Portal
Our EAP Wisdom portal was promoted as a comprehensive resource offering free guidance on wellbeing, from health and nutrition to financial and legal matters. We wanted to ensure that all employees knew of this important benefit, which provides confidential support and resources on various topics. The portal’s extensive offerings complement our wellbeing month activities, reinforcing our commitment to supporting our employees in all aspects of their lives.
Exploring Clerkenwell Design Week
To top off our wellbeing month, as always, we encouraged our team to immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere of Clerkenwell Design Week, which took place from May 21st to 23rd. Employees were invited to walk around the various events, exhibitions, and installations, soaking in design inspiration and enjoying the fresh air. This aligned with our step challenge and provided a stimulating and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
You can read more about our time at this year’s CDW here.
Reflections
As we look back on May, our initiatives were met with enthusiasm and participation, fostering a healthier, happier, and more connected workplace. Throughout the month, we supported the efforts of mental health charities, promoting the theme of ‘movement’ during Mental Health Awareness Week. By aligning our activities with their campaigns, we reinforced the message that physical activity is a critical component of mental health.
We hope to have taken significant steps toward creating a supportive and thriving environment for all our employees. At AD Associates, we know that our people are our greatest asset. We hope May’s activities have set a positive tone for the rest of the year, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to support the health and happiness of our team.