HLK is committed to providing opportunities for colleagues to connect and access the support they need to thrive.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. And that’s why we have a well-established internal wellbeing and engagement programme: HoListiK.

HoListiK – our unique approach to wellbeing in the workplace

Collage of craft and baking projects by HLK colleagues

HoListiK offers a range of exciting initiatives that help us all to keep connected and to support our colleagues’ physical and mental wellbeing. From Yoga and Tai Chi to book club, crafting or artistic endeavours, seasonal activities and inter-office competitions, with a regular Friday online quiz, there’s always something going on.

Collage of HLK office day with pictures of colleagues together and baked goods

A calendar of office days creates a chance for multiple teams and colleagues to get together in person. Refreshments are provided – always a good motivator and a great way get to know each other, in a relaxed, fun and sociable setting as well as catch up on any news! Since moving to hybrid working this is even more essential for anyone new at the firm.

There’s also a virtual space where people can share ideas on fitness, mindfulness, recipes, games, arts and crafts, music. In the office, you’ll find plenty of games, books, quiet spaces and relaxed seating areas that encourage our people to gather or unwind during breaks in their working day.

HoListiK is our unique way of assuring wellbeing in the workplace and creating opportunities for colleagues to connect. We understand that connections with other people matter, and inspiring feelings of belonging and happiness can lead to reduced levels of stress and improved self-confidence.

We’re proud that our programme plays an important role in helping our colleagues connect and flourish.

Championing wellbeing and good mental health

In addition to HoListik, we have a separate internal Mental Health and Wellbeing group. The group works to break down barriers to address the stigma that surrounds mental health, enabling everyone to feel safe and confident in talking about their mental health or any issues they may be encountering.

As well as making sure we provide a considerate and creative working environment, the group also recruits and oversees our network of Wellbeing Champions.

Wellbeing Champions

Our Wellbeing Champions are available to all our people and will provide support for anyone going through a difficult time.

Each one a volunteer, they undertake Mental Health First Aider training to give them the knowledge and skills to be able to offer the right support to colleagues who may be experiencing mental health issues.

To make them more accessible and approachable, each of our champions has prepared a short ‘get to know me’ bio, to help people find out a little more about them and their background. The bios are available to read on our employee portal and colleagues can choose whichever champion they feel most comfortable with to reach out to, regardless of where they’re located or which team they’re in. They can also choose how they wish to approach them – face-to-face, over the phone, online or by email.

When recruiting the volunteers, we aim for representation across our offices, with a mix of roles, seniority levels and genders. As for numbers of champions, it’s our intention to have one champion for every ten employees, the figure that employers are encouraged to aim for.

Here’s what some of our champions said when asked, what does being a wellbeing champion mean to you?

“I want everyone to feel that there is someone they can turn to, whether that be me or someone else.”

David

 


“As a carer myself, I know how important it is to share the ups and downs life throws at you.”

Sue

 

“It is so important that we all look out for each other, and we remember that nothing is more important than our own health, both physical and mental.”

Chris

 

“I would like to do what I can to let people know that there is always someone to talk to.”

Romy

Thrive at work

Every month, the Mental Health and Wellbeing group shares new tips and activities to help our people thrive, feel supported or connect to others. There’s a real mix of activities, from signposting webinars, awareness days, weeks or months, to sharing a fresh ‘action for happiness’ calendar that’s full of inspiring ideas for daily mindfulness actions to help people feel part of something bigger and foster that all-important sense of belonging.

The group also has a section on our employee portal which contains plenty of useful links to help people speak up and reach out as well as lots of information about our network of Wellbeing Champions.