NHS England outlined in the NHS People Plan 2020/21 that all managers should hold wellbeing conversations with their staff, and that every member of the NHS should develop a personalised plan.
Wellbeing conversations are a key part of the NHS framework because they are designed to help nurture the recovery of staff and help managers to guide staff to additional support and to reduce the long-term impact of their distress.
“Health and wellbeing conversations are intended to be regular, supportive one-to-one coaching-style conversations that focus on NHS people’s wellbeing. The conversations aim to consider the whole wellbeing of an individual, to identify any areas of their life where further support may be required.” - Our NHS People, What is a Wellbeing Conversation?
Watch wellbeing conversation videos
A short 3 minute video from NHS Employers to support and guide line managers through wellbeing conversations and a short staff experience video on how wellbeing conversations helped them personally and why they are important.
We know that the wellbeing of our NHS people can be affected by all kinds of factors at work. Workload, capacity, relationships with colleagues and the physical working environment can all have an impact. Likewise, factors outside work, including lack of sleep, financial worries, health conditions, caring responsibilities and other personal circumstances, can have an impact – especially if they have changed recently.
The NHS People Plan encourages all NHS organisations to create cultures where our NHS people have regular wellbeing conversations with their line manager or a trusted colleague. These wellbeing conversations could be held as standalone conversations with a colleague, or incorporated into existing conversations, such as regular 1:1s or during check-ins. You could also touch base during team meetings or shift handovers to see if anyone would benefit from a follow up conversation.
Whether it’s taking place virtually or in person, it’s important to hold a wellbeing conversation in a safe, confidential space.
Before you start the conversation, take a moment to reflect on any cultural considerations that may be relevant. For example, if you are aware that your colleague has recently experienced a bereavement, consider the different bereavement practices that they may follow depending on their religion or beliefs. Be aware of any religious festivals or events that are taking place that may have an impact on your colleagues wellbeing, such as fasting during Ramadan.
A great way to start the conversation is by simply asking ‘how are you?’ and allowing your colleague time to reflect and respond. Actively listen to their response and allow the conversation to flow. Where needed, follow up with further open questions such as “how are you, really?”, “is there anything that is currently having an impact on your health and wellbeing?” or “how can I best support you?”.
Tip: Some colleagues may not feel comfortable talking about their personal health, and it is important that as a line manager, you reassure them that this is ok. Perhaps make a suggestion that the conversation will be followed up at a later date.
In most cases, a health and wellbeing conversation will be held by a line manager or supervisor, but in some instances colleagues may feel more comfortable talking to another trusted colleague about their wellbeing.
We would also encourage that, across an organisation, teams actively support one another by regularly checking in.
Tip: For some, holding a wellbeing conversation may feel daunting at first. It is important to remember that you are not being asked to provide clinical advice – your role is to hold the conversation, actively listen to your colleague, be compassionate and signpost to further support.
- NHS course – conversations about painful subjects: A guide for leaders and managers on how to approach discussing painful subjects.
- NHS course - how to work with emotions and care for your team: A free 30-minute introduction to helping and supporting your colleagues to work through their reactions.
- Wellbeing conversations – case studies: Three case studies of NHS organisations who have rolled out wellbeing conversations across their patch, and what the challenges and benefits were.
Wellbeing Conversations Training
The Keeping Well North West London are proud to announce the delivery of our “Wellbeing Conversations” training for social care managers, supervisors and staff members who hold responsibility for others in the workplace. If this is something you may be interested in please get in touch at keepingwell.nwl@nhs.net to book your place.