Peter Riddleston, Learning & Quality Director at our longstanding client LawNet, is a huge advocate for supporting the wellbeing of employees and protecting them from burnout, so it made perfect sense for us to interview him on this topic.
In this interview, we explored Peter’s thoughts on how an organisation can create a culture where work/life balance and wellbeing are a priority and how a firm can ensure their employees feel valued, resulting in increased engagement and contribution. He explained how essential skills training provides the opportunity for employees to share their challenges and appreciate that they are not the only ones experiencing these.
Finally, Peter shared with us how he likes to wind down and support his own wellbeing.
How do you think an organisation can create a culture of promoting a good work/life balance?
For me, this comes from the top of the organisation. It’s so important that leaders and managers model the behaviours and attitudes that they want to form the foundation of the organisation’s culture. This sets a powerful example and sends a clear message to people that the need to maintain a good work/life balance is understood and a part of what the organisation is about.
Making wellbeing part of the daily conversation is also a big contributor. It’s not something where you can have a tick box approach if you want to build a sustainable culture of promoting a good work/life balance. It’s helpful to encourage people to have regular conversations about wellbeing so that if something isn’t working and someone’s work/life balance isn’t right, they know they can speak up about this, knowing that they will be listened to and not judged.
Do you think that when an employee feels supported and invested in, this encourages them to contribute more to an organisation?
Absolutely. Knowing that your employer is investing in you through, for example, learning and development is so powerful. It can encourage people to contribute more and also helps to build loyalty to the organisation.
When people feel supported, it can create huge benefits on lots of levels. Having a more engaged team that feels well supported provides a better experience for both staff and clients. It also helps in creating an environment where people support each other and can learn from each other much more effectively.
When people feel supported, it can create huge benefits on lots of levels. Having a more engaged team that feels well supported provides a better experience for both staff and clients.
Why do you think essential skills training is important to support an employee’s wellbeing?
First, it’s a great way to help people develop the toolkit of skills and behaviours that can help support good wellbeing. But it goes deeper than that. The best training in this area provides opportunities for people to share their own experiences and knowledge with others. In the area of wellbeing, knowing that others might experience the same challenges and problems can be really powerful and that sharing of different ways to deal with the challenges and improve wellbeing can help people to make changes that can really make a difference.
Communication skills training can make an important contribution to supporting wellbeing. Equipping people with the skills to communicate effectively and listen effectively can help build a culture both with colleagues and clients, that can support wellbeing.
What do you do personally to unwind to support your wellbeing?
I never regret going for a run and it can help me find peace when I’m having a tough time.
I’m a complete sportaholic so sport plays a big part in my wellbeing. I’m a keen runner and use this to get out in the countryside and relax. It’s a great way to unwind and really supports my mental health. I never regret going for a run and it can help me find peace when I’m having a tough time.
I’m also a keen rugby and cricket supporter which can be a great distraction. Even though I no longer play, both sports are a really big part of my life.
I really enjoy cooking and baking too. An hour spent cooking dinner or baking after a day at work can really help me refocus and give me some space.
Spending time outside, not just when I’m running, is great for my wellbeing. I love taking my chocolate labrador, Heather, for long walks which gives me time to reflect and relax.