A leading Derby leadership, management and apprenticeships training provider is pursuing its mission to make the UK the best place to work in the world by investing in key wellbeing initiatives including extended paid weekly lunch breaks and a free ‘mental health day’ for all staff.
Nine Dots Development, which runs human resources, management and leadership training courses around the world to key clients such as Scania, BAE Systems, Fred Perry and Associated Press, is showing staff that wellbeing begins at home with a series of initiatives designed to boost happiness.
One of the most successful changes has been the doubling of paid lunch breaks once a week.
The business actively encourages employees to use the time to recharge by going for a walk, meeting a friend or simply stepping away from their desks.
Following the launch of the scheme, staff have collectively walked the equivalent distance from Derby to Paris in the first month, reporting that the fresh air has helped reduce stress and improve focus.
In doubling paid lunch breaks Nine Dots is helping employees buck the national trend with figures reported by HR Magazine showing that two in five UK workers are regularly working through their lunch, feeling they do not have time for a proper break.
The company has also introduced an annual ‘mental health day,’ giving staff a guilt-free day at home to reset when they need it, on top of standard annual leave, loyalty days and sick pay. Around one in six UK employers currently offer similar support, placing Nine Dots among a growing number of organisations prioritising psychological wellbeing.
Founded by lifelong friends Jordan Burke and James Davison, Nine Dots helps companies develop organisational change through leadership, HR and management training.
As part of its wellbeing drive it has also implemented a ‘Reward and Recognition’ scheme recognising staff going above and beyond in their duties with a £50 voucher once a quarter. As well as that, the company has designated a ‘quiet room’ for staff to have time away from their desks, and has started a chatty newsletter with updates on staff and tips on how to maintain wellbeing.
Nine Dots corporate services manager and mental health first aider Tracey Sandland said: “Work should be a place where people feel happy and able to give their best. When you’re in a good place mentally, you can focus and enjoy what you do. Our wellbeing day is there so colleagues can simply say, ‘I’m not feeling my best today,’ and take the time they need without judgement.”
Nine Dots’ wellbeing initiatives are designed to support both emotional and physical health. Alongside the internal changes, the company has invested in a new wellbeing section on its bespoke learning platform, giving learners easy access to mental health resources and signposting to external support. Co-founder James Davison says the new resources have seen a surge in engagement, emphasising how important wellbeing has become for today’s workforce.
James and Jordan founded Nine Dots Development after James became unhappy early in his career when he was promoted to a management position but not given the proper support to fulfil his new role. His friend Jordan saw the potential in creating a company that would ensure companies would not lose talented staff through lack of support for new managers.
James said: “The wellbeing section of our online learner platform is there to support those who are using our services such as apprentices. We can see how much take-up and interest that area of our site has had since we launched which tells us that wellbeing is a significant factor for very many people in today’s workforce.
“We believe in ‘walking the talk’ at Nine Dots and we’re delighted that our new wellbeing initiatives are having such a positive effect. Doubling staff’s paid lunch times once a week is proving very successful in encouraging people to take a walk or meet a friend for a coffee and know that they are being supported by their employer.”
As well as having qualified mental health first aiders on its staff, Nine Dots has also appointed ‘wellbeing champions’ so that employees know who they can go to for support.
Jordan added: “We really believe that the UK could lead the way in being the best place to work in the world and it’s our mission through our own initiatives and the training we provide to achieve just that.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Nine Dots Development by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
