Isle of Man

What is Wellbeing?

Wellbeing: The state of being healthy, happy, or prosperous; physical, psychological, or moral welfare. - Oxford English Dictionary.

Wellbeing in the workplace

There have been numerous surveys into wellbeing with many questions asking who is responsible for wellbeing and mental health in the workplace. A 2021 survey has been conducted by LawCare, a UK based charity caring for the wellbeing of the community in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, together with Sheffield University. Of those responding to the survey 86% said it was the responsibility of the individual, 84% the employer, 58% the professional body, 46% the regulator and 26% educational institutions. Members could choose more than one option to this question. For those interested the published report can be found here.

The individual

86% of respondents said the individual was responsible for their own wellbeing. Take a moment to consider that. Consider it in relation to your own wellbeing. How often do you take time to consider and look after your own wellbeing? Is exercise too difficult, a chore? What does mental health self-help even look like? Are you aware of anxiety or stress that might be affecting your mental health? All too often we simply take our health for granted until something goes wrong. If it is physical, a broken leg for example, that is visible, the hospital can straighten it, you are given crutches and exercises. Work can see the problem and make adjustments. A support system is in place which everyone knows how to access.

For mental health no one can see the build-up of stress and/or anxiety. Such issues may worsen, and all too often lead to problems that are only ever acknowledged once we reach breaking point. We know individuals cope better when trying to diet or quit smoking by having a support group in place. The same holds true for mental health and we all need a support group to assist us when problems arise. All too often our support network can vanish, not knowing how to help with mental health problems, not wanting to speak out for fear of making it worse.

We are all happy to ask and accept help if we have a broken leg. We should feel just as able to ask for support from others when suffering from mental health. If there is a stigma attached, asking for help can seem impossible. Struggling alone might be the only option.

The Employer

84% of respondents said the employer is responsible for wellbeing. Again, take a moment to consider that, think about your own workplace. Wellbeing and in particular mental health has been in the news in recent years, not least as a direct result of the effects of the pandemic. Employers are increasingly taking action to raise the profile of mental health. Think about your own workplace and the actions of your employers.

Now consider what you might do if you find you are struggling. Is there a trained mental health first aid officer? Do you know who it is? How receptive and supportive will your line manager be? Does the senior management lead the way by example or perpetuate a culture that personal problems should not be brought into the workplace? These issues still exist and must be challenged.

The Professional Body

54% of respondents said the professional body should be responsible. Our professional body is the Chartered Governance Institute and in particular the Isle of Man Branch of the CGI. The Chair of the Wellbeing Committee has been a member of the local Council for a number of years and is very conscious we could do better. We have run various presentations but done very little else. The Committee wish to see that change. Sara Drake is keen to support our efforts and bring about real change. We will get the conversation going, be available to speak to members and we will provide details of organisations who can provide professional support.

Educational Institutions

Think of your own educational experiences. Were you ever taught about wellbeing? At School or University? During your professional examinations? More needs to be done from an educational viewpoint. Consider if it would be helpful to include wellbeing within the professional courses, even if it is a topic that is not necessarily examined. Much more needs to be done to educate everyone of the effects of poor wellbeing and the massive costs to the employer and society as a whole of poor mental and physical health.

The next steps

We as your professional body can do more and with an enthusiastic Wellbeing Committee we will start the conversation as part of a long term plan to increase wellbeing on the Island and within the profession. We will create a wellbeing web page, hold presentations, be an ear to listen and provide regular updates via a quarterly newsletter. It is intended that each newsletter will cover one or two aspects of physical and mental wellbeing.

In order to target our support we should be pleased to hear from you as to what you consider are the barriers to your wellbeing. Please tell us what are the most important issues for you and what you would like to see the Committee covering in future newsletters. All responses should be sent to manxjuan@icloud.com.

Be kind

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama

Your Committee

Juan Moore

Juan is the Chair of the Wellbeing Committee. Juan received the full support of Council when he first raised the idea of a Wellbeing Committee. Juan was previously CEO of the Isle of Man Law Society where he introduced a wellbeing committee working closely with LawCare in the implementation of that committee and throughout. Juan is able to use that experience in establishing and assisting the Wellbeing Committee for the Isle of Man CGI Brach.

Tel: 01624 312357 or email manxjuan@icloud.com.

Anna Lowey

Anna recently resigned from Council to concentrate on her busy work commitments and studies. Anna approached the President, Chris Bolt, when she learnt of the Wellbeing Committee expressing an interest in joining and assisting with its work.

Justin Tipper

Justin was informed that Juan was putting together a wellbeing committee via his colleague at GanleyTipper Learning. Justin is a Certified Trainer of NLP, and Humanistic Neuro Linguistic Psychology™. Justin was interested in the work of the Wellbeing Committee and offered to help in any way he could.

Tel: 01624 490807 or email: jaytipper@gmail.com.

Emily Lightfoot

Emily is a member of Council and the Student Committee. Emily is ideally placed to to discuss issues facing students and newly qualified members of the Association. Emily is also a student herself and so understands the pressures of balancing work, home life and fitting in studies for intensive and very difficult subjects.

Adrian Corkill

Adrian is an experienced Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional gaining extensive experience at a senior level in large organisations. Adrian has recently retired due to ill health and is aware of the difficulties individuals may face from their employer and indeed the Isle of Man Health Care system from ill health.

Tel: 01624 490175 or email adrian.corkill@manx.net.