Not so Blue Monday

Our CEO Jess Hargreaves spoke to Sky News to mark Blue Monday, sharing how we’re prioritising employee well-being today (and every other day!) to ensure our team is happy at work and home. Read the article as part of Sky News’ Money Blog and find out below how our January people initiatives have come from a place of learning and loving… 

January is often a challenging month, especially after the highs of the festive season. As a Best Places to Work and B-Corp, we understand the importance of helping our team feel their best—mentally, physically, and financially.  

We regularly consult them to understand what adds the most value to their lives, so our January well-being and Blue Monday initiatives are based on what the team found most effective in previous years. Here’s how we’re making the whole of January brighter:

A selection of jars of juice on a table with information sheets in front
A purple massage chair set up in an office space

Well-Being Initiatives

  • Week 1 Boost: We kicked off the new year with immunity-boosting juices from local business Mejuica – Perfectly aligned with our B-Corp values! 
  • Wellness Resources: A curated newsletter provided practical tips for well-being, including advice on meditation, nutrition, and access to online gym classes, as well as legal and financial resources.

 

Blue Monday & Beyond 

  • Resilience Training: We’re hosting company-wide resilience sessions with an external expert, and training middle managers as certified mental health first aiders to provide ongoing support. 
  • Personal Treats: Every employee receives a £50 Blue Monday voucher to spend on something that brings joy—whether it’s a trip to the theatre, a massage, or a pile of books to achieve a ‘Read 25 in 25’ intention. 
  • Chair Massages: For those coming into the office, a little something to help recharge.

 

Building Connections & Looking Ahead 

  • CEO 1-2-1s: Throughout January, our CEO is meeting with each employee to discuss culture, feedback, and career progression. 
  • Holiday Planning: We encouraged all team members to book future breaks to have something exciting to look forward to. 

 

Financial Support 

  • Early Pay Day: January’s pay day has been brought forward by a week to ease financial strain after Christmas. 
  • Interest-Free Loan: Our £1,000 ‘No Questions Asked’ loan continues to provide a financial safety net. 
  • Blue Monday Social: To boost morale, we’re hosting a staff dinner, ensuring everyone has a reason to celebrate. 

 

By listening to our team’s needs and building on past successes, we aim to make January a month of resilience, support, and positivity. 

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