Manchester-based consumer PR agency JBH has launched its workplace wellbeing campaign to coincide with Blue Monday (16 January) and to protect its employees’ mental health in 2023.
The agency, which employs 30 full-time employees, has introduced the campaign in response to a survey commissioned by Innovate Comms, Harvard and CCgroup back in September 2022, which found that nine in 10 respondents were unhappy with the changes made to improve wellbeing in the workplace.
Senior leadership decided to reinvigorate JBH’s own mental health and wellbeing support to protect the mental health and wellbeing of its team, and has given them the day off today to refresh, rejuvenate and relax on what is called the most miserable day of the year. Various wellbeing events have also been scheduled this year for both office-based and remote employees to participate in.
Throughout 2023, the agency will put in place transparent salary banding, clear training and progression plans, adopt a 4.5 day working week, identify client accounts that were causing stress and worry and remove them, empower its social and wellbeing team to build and enhance its culture, and adapt its financial support package with a cost of living payment.
Jane Hunt chief executive officer of JBH, said: “First we needed to look inwards at how we were protecting the mental health and wellbeing of our teams and in short, it wasn’t where I wanted it to be. However, I didn’t want to create fluffy policies that look good on a job advert. I want our actions to really mean something to the team and truly improve the experience of working in PR. JBH is far from perfect, but I am really proud of what we have implemented so far.”
Rachael Rothwell, JBH’s people and culture manager, added: “When looking at the issue of wellbeing in the workplace, it is important to take a strategic and mindful approach. It was vital for us to get the basics right first, ahead of the latest workplace wellbeing trends. Our workplace wellbeing campaign needed to embody JBH values, be open and inclusive, include employees in discussions, and initiatives should serve both the business and the employee.”