We have a family-oriented culture at ARV Solutions, and we want to ensure we look after our employees with that same principle. We take the health and well-being of our people very seriously, and ensuring they feel both supported and valued is our top priority, because a valued employee is a happy and engaged member of the team.
Over the last few years, we have implemented several financial incentives to support the well-being and personal development of our team. Some of these have included gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and book purchases. However, over time we have felt these have been rather restrictive and not as inclusive for all employees, which is why we thought up our Well-being Fund. The Well-being Fund is a £500 annual allowance that offers our employees the freedom to manage their own health and well-being programme which is based around the 5 Ways to Well-being…
Connect
There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting well-being and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.
Be active
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is essential for keeping healthy, maintaining fitness, slowing age-related cognitive decline, and promoting well-being. But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good. Slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well as providing some level of exercise.
Take notice
Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden your awareness. Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities. Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.
Learn
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and more active life. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift people out of depression. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning, has been strongly associated with higher levels of well-being.
Give
Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of well-being research. Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in well-being.
It’s great to hear of all the ways our team has utilised their £500 well-being allowance across each of the 5 Ways to Well-being areas. So far this year we’ve had allowances spent on cycling technology, spa treatments, flights to Switzerland, a trip to Bristol Zoo, a weekend in Devon, surfing lessons, and days spent on tai chi lessons and target shooting. Sue, one of our Associate Directors shares her Well-being Fund experience below.
“In 2020 I was diagnosed with Axial Spondylitis, a condition that requires medication and exercise to keep the spine supple. The well-being fund provided by ARV Solutions was an excellent means for me to find something enjoyable while keeping my body moving, and I found a weekly tai chi session being held locally (in a rather beautiful restored medieval barn). It’s an hour a week, learning new movements every session in beautiful surroundings.”
It’s great to hear and see all the diverse activities our team has chosen for their well-being programme and being able to supply the £500 allowance ensures inclusivity for all team members in creating their own personalised plan.
Do you want to join a company where you can build your own well-being programme? ARV is hiring! Take a look at our latest vacancies now to apply.
