Workforce and wellbeing
Across the globe people are making links between wellbeing, productivity and our ability to move forward on sustainability. We all have professional responsibilities in sustainability and with this comes the potential for greater creativity and success in our organisations.
Sustainability in practice
We aim to encourage staff to understand the need for sustainability in their job roles as a way to achieve wider change and to support them to increase their positive impact as professionals and citizens. Supported by our People Strategy, the University:
- encourages staff to adapt and innovate for sustainability – see latest insights and guidance slide deck given to all new staff at induction
- provides training and guidance on capabilities such as resilience and systems thinking, or topics such as carbon literacy, lifecycle costing and responsible purchasing
- is committed to being a Real Living Wage employer
- has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and supportive community for refugees by pledging support for the University of Sanctuary initiative
Wellbeing and sustainability
Wellbeing is critical for sustainability – the importance of wellbeing as one of the keys to sustainability is the reason health and wellbeing is one of the UN global goals.
The OECD 2020 analysis of wellbeing indicators shows how natural capital and environmental protection is interlinked with social and economic aspects of wellbeing. This recognition is growing at policy level – the 2015 Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in Wales recognises how the wellbeing of people and communities critically depends upon the health of the planet.
Priorities in this area include smart travel and our catering policy, where we set and monitor objectives for active lifestyles, healthy diets and fresh, locally sourced food. Our carbon emissions reduction work is also an important contribution to improving air quality and wider public health.
Campus gardening for wellbeing
There are opportunities for staff, students and local people to get involved in gardening activities at our campuses:
- Edible Garden at Francis Close Hall
- Peace Garden at Oxstalls Campus
- Park Campus Garden
We supported the growing and enjoyment of food on campus with the new pizza oven and LED lighting at the Edible Garden 10th birthday celebrations and Live Smart Pizza Party.
Contact our Sustainability Engagement Manager to find out more.
Workplace Wellbeing Charter
The University was successfully re-accredited for the Public Health Wellbeing at Work Charter in July 2019. The assessment now includes higher standards compared to our first assessment in July 2017, particularly for mental health. We are reviewing potential improvements for supporting mental wellbeing among staff, which then helps us to better support the wellbeing of our students.
