At Attwells we have been recognised at an awards ceremony for our commitment to workplace wellbeing.
We were one of 119 organisations to take part in Mind’s sixth annual Workplace Wellbeing Index, and we were recognised with a Silver Award, meaning that we have made demonstrable achievements in promoting our staff’s mental health in the workplace.
We employ over 50 staff members, many of whom have joined from University or College, where mental health support is widely available, and awareness is encouraged.
Making a difference
Locally, we are one of the few law firms to offer apprenticeships and provide on-site training facilities. Our training programme is headed up by Associate Charlotte Reason, who trained with Attwells before qualifying as a solicitor.
Nick, founder of Attwells Solicitors explains, “When I started out in the legal profession it was all about working long days and billable hours. Mental health was not discussed perhaps because it was a male-dominated environment. Nowadays however the profession is much different and that is a good thing. We encourage everyone with Attwells to have a work-life balance and talk openly or confidentially about any mental health issues they may be experiencing.”
Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice, celebrating the good work that employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health.
While we are a property law firm, our area of law is niche and can be pressurised. Whilst the legal process of buying or selling a property has largely remained the same, the work environment, staff diversity, and delivery of the service has dramatically changed.
Dawn Smy who oversees the mental health awareness at Attwells comments “We pride ourselves on being a modern law firm. That means for us embracing change and forming a better relationship with our staff. Our pledge to support our staff with their mental health forms part of an overall employee benefit package designed to support our staff and their wellbeing.”
The importance of Mental Health
Every employer depends on having healthy and productive employees – valued and supported staff is far more likely to perform better and achieve peak performance. Mental health problems are common among employees. Mind surveyed almost 42,000 employees across the 119 employers participating in the Index. The Index 2021-22 has seen a mix of returning organisations eager to assess the impact of their newly implemented wellbeing initiatives as well as first-time organisations starting their journey to improve employee wellbeing.
For more information, please contact Joanne Debenham, on 01473 299882.
