Staff Wellbeing

Supporting staff wellbeing in the workplace is vital because it keeps employees healthy, resilient, and productive, while creating a positive and sustainable work environment. When wellbeing is prioritised:

· Staff experience lower stress and burnout, improving mental and physical health.

· Teams become more engaged, collaborative, and resilient.

· Organisations benefit from higher retention, stronger performance, and better outcomes.

· A supportive culture encourages innovation, accountability, and inclusion, making the workplace safer and fairer for everyone.

Click here to view the range of staff wellbeing initiative.

Staff Networks

Staff Networks are integral for staff wellbeing and helping to make positive changes to policies, procedures and the staff experience at Central Bedfordshire Council.

Staff Networks offer:

· Peer support: Networks offer a safe space to share experiences, advice, and challenges.

· Promote inclusion: They help underrepresented groups feel valued, heard, and represented.

· Raise awareness: Networks highlight workplace issues, support EDI initiatives, and inform policy improvements.

· Professional development: They provide mentoring, learning opportunities, and career guidance.

· Build community and engagement: Networks foster collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging across the organisation.

Reserved Time for Staff Networks

Reserved time refers to designated periods during normal working hours when employees can engage in activities related to their staff networks without the pressure of their regular job responsibilities.

Network Chairs and Co-Chairs up to 10 per cent of their working schedule per month to organise and deliver staff network meetings and events. All other network members should be encouraged to attend network meetings and events within their normal working hours, subject to demands of their service area.

We have 11 different Staff Networks that you can join.

· Approaching Retirement Network

· Carers Network

· Christians at Work Network

· Disability and Neurodiversity Network

· Early Careers and Apprenticeships Network

· LGBTQ+ Network

· Men’s Network

· Menopause Network

· Race, Religion and Culture Network

· Sustainability Network

· Women’s Network

The Staff Networks Hub on Viva Engage – A one stop shop space to connect with colleagues, share experiences, learn how to join a Staff Network and discover events and activities across all networks.