This week, we're celebrating National Work Life week!
This annual initiative runs from 7th - 11th October 2024, and encourages both employers and employees to focus on well-being at work.
For NHS staff, who work in one of the most challenging yet rewarding fields, having access to flexible working practices can make a significant difference in our personal well-being and job satisfaction.
Why Work Life balance matters
Achieving a healthy work life balance is essential for our mental and physical well-being. Working too much can lead to stress, amongst a range of other health issues, whilst neglecting work can cause anxiety and reduced job satisfaction. Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for us to be our best at both work and home.
Many modern workers are most drawn to employers who are willing to offer some sort of flexible working. They are prioritising their own health and wellbeing over some of the other employer benefits as in the past.
At SaTH, we know that our workforce are our greatest asset. By prioritising work life balance and introducing our flexible working policy, we are committed to ensuring that our employees have support available to help manage their work life and personal life.
Flexible working at SaTH
As part of our commitment to promoting a healthy work life balance, SaTH offers a variety of flexible working options. These are designed to help our staff manage their working schedules in a way that supports both their professional duties and home lives.
Some of these flexible working practices may include, but are not limited to:
- Part time roles - offering the option to reduce working hours where appropriate
- Job share - allowing two employees to share hours and responsibilities of a full-time position
- Remote working - working from home
- Compressed hours - working contracted hours over fewer days
Offering these flexible working options means we are able to best support the well-being of our staff, whilst continuing to deliver high quality care to our patients.
Our Work Life balance
In celebration of National Work Life Week 2024, we spoke to just some of our fantastic teams who currently have flexible working within their departments.
"I was working full time 37.5 hours from Monday to Friday, your typical 9am-5pm job. However, from a personal perspective I enjoy travel and over the last couple of years my husband and I have been exploring more of the UK in our campervan, in particular getting away at the weekends. After discussion with my manager, I decided to submit a flexible working request for a 9 day fortnight. To my delight, the request was approved! My manager was really supportive, and I now work 8:30am - 5.20pm Monday to Friday, with every other Monday as a day off. This has had a really positive effect on my mental wellbeing, and I would encourage anyone interested in flexible working to have the conversation with your manager." - Kirstie, Recruitment and Onboarding Team
"We have a number of Cleanliness Technicians who are trialling flexible working hours. Some are trialling working 7:00am - 5:30pm 4 days a week, some just work Monday to Friday, and others working just weekends as it suits their personal circumstances. Talking to our team and asking what support could help them has had a big impact and meant that more have been able to stay with us as we have been able to accommodate their requests. If you are interested in a role in the domestics team but the hours on the advert are not quite what you are looking for, please contact the team as we may be able to offer flexible hours suited to you." - Julie, Cleanliness Team
"I have worked for the NHS for 42 years and took early retirement nearly 2 years ago as I was suffering the effects of long Covid and was unable to cope with the longer shifts. Through the support of my fantastic managers and all the wonderful team that make up the Renal Unit, I was able to come back for 16 hours a week on flexi hours. This has allowed me to change my shift, in line with the work load and what's needed on the unit. Flexi hours have helped me to continue working without getting stressed, worrying about coping with the longer day and I'm a much happier person now, knowing I can change my hours to suit both my needs and that of the Renal unit." - Julie, Renal team
Looking forward
As SaTH and the NHS as a whole continues to evolve to meet the needs of our patients, we remain committed to being a leader in offering flexible working opportunities and promoting a positive work-life balance for all our employees.
So, whether you’re a current SaTH employee looking to explore flexible working options, or a healthcare professional considering joining the SaTH team, National Work Life Week is the perfect time to discover how SaTH can support your work-life journey.
Look for flexible working on our adverts, or feel free to contact the appointing manager to discuss flexible working opportunities for your dream role.
And finally, don't forget to check out our blog post about International Self Care day where we provide some top tips for incorporating some self care activities into your day, as well as sharing the well-being initiatives we have on offer for you here at SaTH.
Happy National Work Life week!
