The Westpac Customer Assist branch set out to provide an evidence-based mental health and wellbeing training program to its staff, as part of its wider efforts with Flinders University on studying and improving the wellbeing of its staff.
The reason for this:
Westpac values their people’s mental health and wellbeing. Wellbeing is one of their greatest priorities.
Understanding that their people always help and care when it matters for their customers, means that they need to help and care for their staff members. It’s not just about doing the best in their role, but holistically as well.
Westpac continue to heavily invest in supporting their people, and building wellbeing is just one of those ways. They continue to build and improve on their wellbeing plan in the future.
In 2021, 350 Westpac staff completed the 5-week Be Well Plan which provides easy-to-use evidence-based skills to build mental health and wellbeing. As our mental health and wellbeing needs differ per person, the program teaches participants how to find skills that are relevant to their unique situation, rather than giving each participant the exact same content. The Be Well Plan demonstrated the following significant changes in mental health:
5% increase in overall wellbeing
9% increase in resilience
6% shift in mood
7% decrease in stress
Following the success from the pilot group, Westpac committed to upskilling 4x Be Well Trainers who have been instrumental in seeking opportunities to embed wellbeing across the workplace. A variety of programs are currently being offered to staff members including the Be Well Plan and Be Well Foundations (5 hours). Monthly Masterclass topics have also been regularly scheduled, in which Team Leaders are the first to be invited to promote to their teams.
A participant testimonial that supports the impact of the program:
*To respect privacy, we have de-identified the testimonial
"I absolutely enjoyed the session you presented today. The session had a huge calming effect and I truly paid attention to self-care so although I feel like I could continue for another 8 hours, I am logging out to enjoy my evening and to look after my wellbeing."
Feel free to get in touch to see how we can help you or your organisation to implement a mental health and wellbeing initiative, you can also read more in our blog creating a wellbeing strategy with impact.
