The Accidental Perfect Decision - Supportive Workplace Connections at DWP

It’s funny how an accidental decision can make a difference and change your life for the better. I wanted to share how supportive workplace connections have done just that for me.

When I moved departments and joined DWP nearly 3 years ago, I was nervous on my first day and asked a friend who worked in our Leeds office to book me a desk near the entrance on our floor. I didn’t want to have to walk past lots of people I didn’t know. So, I sat near the door with people who were, at the time, strangers and made an effort to speak to them.

Sitting there ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made because I’ve really got to know them and they’ve become good friends, not just work colleagues.

Hybrid working and multiple team locations mean we don’t always have someone from our team based or sat anywhere near us anymore. This is where being supported by good people, who genuinely care about each other, can really help. It’s a small thing and something we can all get involved in to make sure our colleagues are okay.

More than just colleagues…..

When my now good friends ask me if I’m okay, I know they genuinely mean it. They know me so well, and I them, so we pick up on signs that something isn’t quite right and take the time to talk and listen.

I have many examples of the kindness and support I have received around bereavement, children, relationships, anything really.

On days when I have come in and not been inclined to talk, having someone ask me ‘if I’m really okay’ and saying that ‘I don’t seem myself’, has encouraged me to open up and talk about my problems, which really helps.

We work hard, but we also talk a lot when we need to as well. If people don’t want to talk, then that’s fine too, but knowing that they’re there and they care means so much to me.

So, think about speaking to the colleague who’s sat nearby, or contact someone on Teams, as well as asking ‘how are you’ to those you see every day. If you’re willing to listen and hear their answers, pick up the phone to a friend or family member. It really can help.

Mental health is something we should all be comfortable talking about every day and DWP has a range of resources to support colleagues’ mental wellbeing such as:

·       Mental Health First Aiders, who amongst other things will connect you with a DWP Buddy for a short wellbeing check-in.

·        PAM Assist (which is part of DWP’s Employee Assistance Programme) is available 24-hours a day for free counselling, manager coaching or critical incident/bereavement support.

·       DWP offers a Stress Evaluation Tool and Stress Action Review Plan to help individuals self-assess their own stress levels and plan reasonable actions to help.

You can also get quick access to the help you need using the ‘My Wellbeing’ icon on your computer desktop when you join the department.

Author: Imogen