Dedicated Wellbeing committee delivers another successful year of initiatives

We have trained a further three mental health first aiders this year, bringing our total up to seven. Our Mental Health First Aiders are accessible for anyone in the firm to speak with about any mental health concerns and are an invaluable initial point of contact for anyone in need of support.

Building on the committee’s work in 2023, we have arranged for further in-house talks from an external health and wellbeing coach who has previously worked in the NHS. The topics covered so far have included how to maintain a healthy body and sleep and stress management. These talks have been very well received and we are looking forward to arranging further sessions in 2025.

After a successful launch last year, the committee has continued to provide a firm-wide subscription to the Headspace app for all in the firm and their family members. We have boosted usage of the app within the firm by hosting a series of morning meditation sessions (followed by pastries!) and by providing demonstrations to new users.

Our popular ad-hoc ice creams in the summer are now combined with mindfulness colouring to help people step away from their work for a short while and we continue to host our monthly cosy hot chocolate mornings during the winter months.

New to 2024, we have arranged for everyone in the firm to access a free in-house spinal screening and posture advice from a local chiropractor. These sessions were so popular we needed to arrange for two further sessions and as a result of this initiative we have secured a discounted rate for chiropractic treatment for everyone in the firm.

The Wellbeing committee is passionate about promoting inclusivity and providing a welcoming environment for all in the firm. The committee has shared festive messages and knowledge about various religious and cultural festivals throughout the year and has hosted celebrations for both Eid and Diwali, with more events planned for 2025. It has been wonderful to join in with our colleagues to celebrate these events.

In the lead up to Christmas, the Wellbeing committee has introduced a digital Wellbeing Advent Calendar to share mindfulness tips during the busy Festive period.

Kayleigh Medland, Senior Associate Solicitor in our Commercial Property team and member of our Wellbeing committee, said: “It is incredibly rewarding being part of a committee which is dedicated to enhancing people’s wellbeing in the firm. Since the committee was established in 2022, we have been keen to make a real impact in promoting a positive workplace culture and ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. These principles go to the heart of Steele Raymond and are a fundamental factor of the firm’s success and growth.

“It has been great to have received such excellent feedback from the initiatives and events we have introduced this year and to hear that these have made a real positive difference to so many people in the firm. We already have a number of exciting wellbeing initiatives in the pipeline for 2025 and look forward to playing our part in maintaining Steele Raymond as a great place to work.”