Louth County Council Chief Executive, Joan Martin has launched a new Staff Wellbeing Strategy which takes an innovative approach to wellness at work, the first of its kind at the local authority,.
In December 2021, the Government launched its National Framework for Healthy Workplaces, recognising that health and wellbeing needs to be embedded in the culture of an organisation, in order for it to be effective.
The wellbeing of staff is a priority at Louth County Council, which remains one of the largest employers in County Louth. As of September 2023, it employs 791 people including temporary and part-time staff across the county. Staff are spread across five Directorates ranging from Management, Administrative, Professional/ Technical, Fire Services and Outdoor.
Louth County Council’s appointment of a Staff Wellbeing Officer in 2023 was an important step in developing and implementing wellness at work initiatives.
Following extensive research, consultation with staff, and collaboration with key stakeholders, Louth County Council have implemented a Wellbeing Strategy which aims to:
- Create a safe, happy, healthy and inclusivity work environment which fosters a culture of positive wellbeing.
- Improve the general wellbeing of the council’s diverse workforce and ensure that wellbeing is seen as everyone’s responsibility.
- Authentically embed wellbeing as a central part of the strategic priorities for management across all functions and ensure awareness of statutory obligations.
- Be identified as an employer of choice.
- Provide impactful wellbeing support based on the needs of staff using a flexible and collaborative approach.
Chief Executive, Joan Martin explained the significance of the new strategy:
“This aim of the Staff Wellbeing Strategy is to demonstrate to our staff that the leadership, culture and people management of Louth County Council is the foundation on which we will build their wellbeing. I believe this strategy will help improve the awareness and provide opportunities for staff to act and invest in the four key areas, Mental, Physical, Social and Financial Wellbeing.”
She added: “Our goal over the next three years is to create a fully inclusive health and wellbeing culture that invests in our happy, healthy, dedicated, and skilled workforce to provide high quality and citizen focused approach within a responsive and effective service.”
The launch took place ahead of IBECs 10th National Workplace Wellbeing Day on Friday 26th April. Louth County Council are hosting a programme of activities and events throughout the week of 22nd April to mark the launch of the Staff Wellbeing Strategy.
