By Vicki Ellis, Head of Human Resources at NHC
At North Hertfordshire College, we understand the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we put the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff at the forefront of our daily work and planning. In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2025, I have been reflecting on how we create positive working culture here.
The CIPD found that 29.6 million working days were lost to work-related ill health in 2023/24, with stress, anxiety and depression accounting for almost 16.4 million of these. This shocking statistic alone demonstrates just how important appropriate mental health and wellbeing support is within the workplace. A supportive working environment fosters higher job satisfaction, motivation and productivity among staff.
CIPD have outlined recommendations for organisations to better support the mental wellbeing of their workforce. For example, ensure that senior leaders are aware of the importance of workplace health and wellbeing, and embed actions to ensure that it’s taken seriously across the organisation. They also suggest we provide early access to occupational health support and other specialist sources of help, such as counselling or physiotherapy.
At NHC, our Wellbeing Strategy was created to provide accessible, practical guidance on mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. This strategy works alongside our People Strategy which recognises wellbeing as a core focus for the College overall. The wellbeing theme actively supports mental health, provides a comprehensive annual programme of wellbeing activities, and enhances financial security through signposting and support.
The work we do towards our wellbeing targets can also be seen in daily-life here at NHC. Our flexible working and family friendly policies enable staff to achieve a positive work/life balance based on individual circumstances. PDR wellbeing targets and plans are also set for all staff, with example targets like taking regular breaks and daily walks and following digital wellbeing initiatives. We have also implemented a Menopause policy, complemented by a support group which employees attend to connect, share experience and support one another through shared challenges.
Our Wellbeing and Safeguarding team also manage our Healthy Hart platform. This online resource is available to all NHC-staff, providing important news, information and resources. Articles include guidance on returning to work after maternity/paternity leave, advice for navigating the cost-of-living crisis, plus mental and physical health resources.
We also provide all NHC staff with range of practical wellbeing resources, including access to support services such as Togetherall; which provides 24/7 mental health support online, Mind; a counselling service, annual wellbeing conferences, and discounted on-site gym, salon, and restaurant services.
Plus, loads of fun wellbeing activities for staff to get involved in, including visits from the Pets As Therapy dogs, craft and chat sessions and an extra day off for birthdays!
Most importantly, we ask our staff if this works for them, and the impact statistics speak for themselves:
- 85.5% of staff indicated that the College takes positive steps to promote health and wellbeing
- 89.3% felt we strongly support staff health
- 89.4% feel confident in our mental health support
- 85.9% of staff report they’re able to maintain a positive work-life balance
This year, the entire NHC team were pleased to be named Highly Commended for Workplace Wellbeing at the Inspiring Herts Awards 2025. We were recognised as an organisation that actively create an environment for their employees to succeed by demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce, which reinforced the important work we are putting in place.
We’re committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of NHC staff every single day of the year, and I’m proud to play a role in making NHC such a positive place to work.
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