Local company awarded for wellbeing ahead of World Mental Health Day

A LOCAL financial services company has been singled out for its commitment to improving the lifestyles and wellbeing of its workforce of over 250 people.

This commitment has been more important than ever in the face of the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and is being celebrated at Avant Money, as part of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.

This year more than ever, it was vital for Avant Money to focus on the health and wellbeing of its colleagues. In a matter of just two weeks, the organisation moved from an entirely office-based company with 250 plus employees, to one operating virtually across 250 locations nationwide.

Staff health and wellness policies introduced since 2018 were adapted to Covid-19 guidelines and included a weekly HR-led manager wellness and support forum for managers to connect and share advice and concerns about leading teams during the pandemic.

The company also established a space for weekly one-to-one manager wellness calls with team members. The HR team rolled out an online survey to check if homeworking spaces were suitable and to ensure that everyone had the resources they needed to work safely and comfortably.

Avant Money also worked with colleagues individually to deal with personal issues such as childcare challenges, offering flexible working arrangements where needed.

Helen Richardson, Head of Human Resources, Avant Money, said: “For me, a programme focused on the wellbeing of staff is vital, and so the achievement of being re-accredited by Ibec with the KeepWell Mark is warmly welcomed.

“Wellness is at the core of everything we do at Avant Money and that is why we are pleased to hold ourselves to the highest standards and to have our success as a good employer recognised by Ibec.”

Sophie Moran, Programme Manager of The KeepWell Mark in Ibec, added: “We’re delighted to award Avant Money with their second successive KeepWell Mark accreditation.

“The strides they have made in supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees is to be highly commended, and we hope their commitment and efforts will inspire many other organisations to approach wellbeing as a strategic priority both now and in the future.”