How to look after people

Our people and their wellbeing have always been vitally important to Higgs. Over the last year we have introduced several programmes and initiatives to improve mental, physical and financial health.

Higgs has long been recognised as a firm which looks after its people, but we knew we had to do even more in these times of financial strife. Like many employers, we recognise that people are under particular stress because of the fallout from the pandemic and the ongoing financial crisis, not least those who work in the highly pressurised environment of law. We have therefore focused on putting our people’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

Perhaps our most important change is to establish a team of qualified mental health first-aiders. The Wellness Team was launched at the start of the pandemic and volunteers were sought to train as mental health first-aiders. Today we have a team of 16 from all areas of the business, with more to be trained in the coming months. The team meets every six weeks and organises regular ‘time to talk’ coffee and cake sessions, as well as arranging external speakers on subjects such as loneliness, resilience, and financial wellbeing.

We also work alongside local community groups including the Black Country Blokes, which champions men’s mental health. We were pleased to support them with a £2,700 donation thanks to a 22-mile charity walk.

There is still stigma around mental ill-health. Some may not want to speak to a supervisor or HR for fear of appearing unable to cope. Having a network of mental health first-aiders goes some way to addressing that problem. It is really important that our first-aiders represent all areas of the business and that mental health is championed at the most senior level.

Our training sessions for employees and managers give advice on recognising and treating health issues. Our team are also able to offer confidential support and signposting. Another important step in response to soaring bills this year was to hand all employees a one-off £500 payment, as well as arranging financial education sessions and launching our hardship fund.

The £500 net payment was given to all employees regardless of annual salaries. The Higgs Hardship Fund provides financial support on a case-by-case basis, whether people are facing a relatively small, discrete issue with their finances, or a major challenge linked to unexpected expenses such as a broken boiler. We also arranged for Better with Money to deliver a series of workshops to help our people navigate this challenging time by being more effective with budgets, as well as offering money-saving advice.

These are real, tangible examples of measures to help ease the financial burden for our people. Hopefully people will learn financial skills and habits that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

There are other initiatives businesses can consider, but the most important thing an employer can do is to afford people the flexibility and environment to talk openly and honestly. Businesses which do this in a genuine way will have the most engaged and motivated people who will perform better and stay longer.

An ethical employer is one which recognises that there are people in the business who are struggling and offers both practical and emotional support. That is what we strive to do at Higgs. Furthermore, all our staff are given a health and wellbeing day each year – an extra day off to take part in a favourite pursuit or try something new. Employees are encouraged to share how they spent their day. Activities in 2022 included furniture restoration projects, castle visits, time with family and even a Paris engagement proposal.

We are proud of the strides we have made towards a healthier workforce. It is pleasing that outside organisations have recognised our efforts as well, with the firm recently receiving the silver accreditation from Investors in People. More than 90% of respondents across the firm said they trust the leaders, while 96% believe they share the values of the organisation.

The Investors in People report recognised that our leaders provide real clarity around our purpose, vision and strategy. It also said the firm is focused on continuous improvement and building a culture which encourages people to be innovative and share ideas.

Higgs is also a finalist in The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, which attracted more than 500 applications. The Wellness Team is in the running for the Wellbeing Team of the Year category.

There is no greater asset than our people. It is important to empower them to deliver outstanding service for our clients and invest in their own personal development. In my role as HR director, there is simply nothing more rewarding than watching people grow and develop – and that can only happen if they are motivated and healthy.

Sophie Wardell is HR director at Higgs, West Midlands